Major operation in the Baltic Sea: fire on oil tanker “Annika” under control

A serious fire on the oil tanker “Annika” off Kühlungsborn is causing great concern. The tanker, which is still burning in the engine room, is being towed to the port of Rostock for further extinguishing work. According to the Central Command for Maritime Emergencies, the extinguishing work continues from the shore.

Extinguishing work and emergency services

Emergency crews from the Rostock and Kiel fire departments were on board the ship to assess the situation. For tactical reasons, it was decided to continue the extinguishing work from shore at a berth. The condition of the ship is assessed by nautical experts as stable.

Crew injured, environment endangered

Several crew members were injured in the accident and had to be taken to nearby hospitals. The environmental organization Greenpeace warned of the serious consequences for the Baltic Sea, especially for the sensitive nature reserve Kadetrinne. The incident has reignited the debate about the safety of shipping in the Baltic Sea.

Investigating the cause and political reactions

The exact cause of the fire is not yet known. Experts from the Central Command for Maritime Emergencies are currently investigating the scene of the accident in order to rule out possible technical defects or human error as the cause. Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania’s Environment Minister Till Backhaus is calling for better coordination of shipping traffic and a faster shift away from fossil fuels. Greenpeace marine expert Daniela Schaper emphasizes that only a consistent phase-out of the oil industry can prevent such accidents in the long term.