A 73-meter tanker named Annika suffered an explosion in the Baltic Sea Friday morning, causing a major fire. The incident occurred in the Mecklenburg Bay, northeast of Germany, near the port of Rostock.
Rescue teams responded quickly to the alert, dispatching three firefighting vessels to the scene. According to the local newspaper Ostseezeitung, the tanker was refueling ships present at sea at the time of the explosion.
Rescue Intervention
Firefighters from Rostock, Kiel, and Lübeck were mobilized to control the fire. Thanks to their swift intervention, the fire was declared “largely under control” in the evening. A video published online by the daily newspaper Bild shows a firefighting vessel using a powerful water jet to extinguish the flames.
The seven sailors aboard the Annika were rescued by a rescue boat and transported to shore. They were taken to the hospital as a precaution, where several received treatment for minor injuries.
Ship’s Situation and Safety Measures
At the time of the explosion, the tanker was carrying approximately 640 tons of oil. Firefighters were able to board the ship to assess the situation, ensuring the crew’s safety and limiting the risk of an environmental disaster.
Authorities have closed access to the maritime area and the airspace within a radius of 5.5 kilometers (3 nautical miles) around the damaged ship to ensure the safety of rescue and investigation operations.
Ongoing Investigation
A spokesperson for the Water Protection Police of the State of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania stated that it was too early to comment on the causes of the incident. The investigation cannot begin until firefighting and rescue operations are completed.
Local authorities are working closely with maritime security services to determine the exact circumstances of the explosion and prevent similar future accidents.
Impact and Reactions
This incident highlights the risks associated with transporting large quantities of fuel at sea. German authorities reaffirm their commitment to strengthening maritime safety measures to protect crews and the environment.
Residents of the ports of Rostock and Kiel were alerted to the rescue operations, and additional safety measures were implemented to ensure public tranquility and the safety of port workers.
