A massive German oil tanker, ‘Annika’, is ablaze off the Baltic coast following reports of an explosion, with emergency services launching a significant rescue operation.
The 73-metre-long vessel has been on fire since 9:15am local time while anchored in the Bay of Mecklenburg. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a large explosion this morning before huge plumes of smoke started billowing from the ship.
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It’s not yet confirmed how many crew members were on-board at the time, however local reports suggests that around seven people were known to be on the vessel, with multiple injuries reported. An emergency tug boat was promptly dispatched to unload and cool the ship before other vessels joined to combat the flames and evacuate those onboard.
A spokeswoman for the Cuxhaven Emergency Command, which is spearheading the rescue operation, informed local media that the tanker currently holds 640 tonnes of heavy oil, reports the Mirror.
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