Germany Evacuates Crew and Controls Fire on Bunker Vessel Near Warnemünde

Germany’s rescue authorities have successfully evacuated the crew and controlled a fire on a bunker vessel near Warnemunde. The German Maritime Search and Rescue Service (DGzRS) utilized their vessel, Wilma Sikorski, to reach the burning tanker and remove the seven crew members, some of whom sustained minor injuries. The Annika, a bunker vessel built in 2012 with a capacity of 1,646 dwt, was operating in the Bay of Mecklenburg when the fire broke out in the engine room, causing an explosion. The vessel is owned by the bunker supply company Hans Rinck and was loaded with approximately 640 tons of oil.

Witnesses reported large plumes of black smoke rising from the vessel, which was located about 2.5 nautical miles from the coast. Environmentalists expressed concerns about potential environmental hazards, but the shipbuilder in Wismar reassured that the vessel was equipped with a double hull and standard safety measures. The German sea rescue vessel Arkona and a deep-sea salvage tug Baltic, operated by the Federal Ministry of Transport, were also on the scene, assisting in cooling the exterior of the tanker.

Following an assessment by fire teams, it was determined that the best course of action was to tow the tanker to a berth for further firefighting efforts. Havariekommando, the central command for maritime emergencies in Germany, reported that the situation was under control, with the fire now reduced to smoking. A towline was secured, and the vessel was en route to Rostock for further assistance.

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