An oil tanker is on fire in the Baltic Sea off the coast of northeastern Germany, the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service announced today, and a large-scale rescue operation is currently underway, DPA reported, quoted by BTA.
All seven crew members of the 73-meter tanker “Annika” have been rescued, and so far no environmental damage has been caused, the Ministry of the Environment in the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern announced.
The ministry added that there are no reports of injuries so far, which contradicts earlier media reports.
The vessel was reportedly carrying 640 tonnes of heavy fuel oil when a fire broke out on board early today.
It is currently anchored in the Gulf of Mecklenburg between Küllungsborn and Warnemünde and connected to a tugboat, rescue services said.
Helicopters have flown to the tanker to transport fire crews, while three ships have reportedly begun battling the blaze.
Black smoke from the burning ship was reported to be visible as far as the coast.
The German Central Maritime Emergency Command has taken over the lead of the rescue operation. Additional details, such as the cause of the fire, are not yet known.