Tanker Fire Sparks Environmental Concerns

The tanker 'Annika,' carrying 640 tons of heavy fuel oil, caught fire in the Baltic Sea under unclear circumstances. The incident, which occurred between Rostock-Warnemünde and Kühlungsborn, prompted immediate firefighting efforts and the establishment of an exclusion zone. Fortunately, all crew members are safe, and no immediate threat to the environment has been reported, though experts remain concerned about potential damage to the shallow water ecosystem.

Efforts to extinguish the fire were successful, with specialized teams, including a Kiel-based fire brigade, tackling the blaze. The tanker has since been towed to the port of Rostock, where further inspections are underway. The Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde has expressed concerns over possible environmental repercussions. An investigation into the cause of the fire will commence once the vessel is deemed safe for access by fire investigators.

Meanwhile, a separate incident at Düsseldorf Airport involved a tanker truck accident, resulting in a kerosene spill. The airport's operations faced minor disruptions, with the fire department quickly containing the fuel leak. Despite delayed flights, no injuries were reported, ensuring passenger safety throughout the incident.