A fire is raging out of control on a freight ship in the North Sea, which is carrying almost 3,000 cars. Tragically, one crew member has lost their life, and others have sustained injuries. Efforts are underway to save the vessel from sinking near a vital habitat for migratory birds. The coast guard has deployed boats and helicopters to evacuate the 23 crew members after their attempts to extinguish the blaze failed. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and it is unclear how the crew member died. Some crew members jumped into the sea and were rescued by a lifeboat, while others were transported to hospitals with various injuries including broken bones, burns, and breathing difficulties.
“At present, there are numerous vessels on the scene monitoring the situation and strategizing ways to control the fire,” stated coast guard spokesperson Lea Versteeg. “However, the outcome is contingent upon weather conditions and the extent of the damage to the vessel.” When asked about the possibility of the ship sinking, Versteeg replied, “We are considering all scenarios and making preparations accordingly.” By early afternoon, two ships were positioned alongside the freighter, dousing its sides with water to lower their temperature. Unfortunately, firefighters have been unable to extinguish the flames inside the ship’s hold, which continues to emit smoke. The Fremantle Highway, en route from Bremerhaven in Germany to Port Said in Egypt, caught fire approximately 17 miles north of the Dutch island of Ameland.
The ship’s location is in close proximity to a chain of Dutch and German islands that are popular tourist destinations along the shallow Wadden Sea. This area is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, boasting the largest unbroken system of intertidal sand and mud flats worldwide. Moreover, it is considered one of the most significant areas for migratory birds globally. Versteeg highlighted the challenge of controlling a fire of this nature, given that the ship was transporting 2,857 cars, including 25 electric ones. The Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management has authorized salvage operations to commence at the earliest opportunity. Additionally, they have assured that the busy shipping lanes in the North Sea remain open to other vessels.
(Read more cargo ships stories.)
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