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

An experienced crew transferred the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service (DGzRS) rescue cruiser ALFRIED KRUPP, which was once stationed on Borkum, to South America on its own keel in autumn 2023. There it is now on search and rescue duty for the Uruguayan Navy. In this film, the sea rescuers tell us what they experienced during the Atlantic crossing - and why the journey was also a matter close to their hearts.

Translated video description:

The prototype of a new boat class of the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service (DGzRS) was named KNUT OLAF KOLBE on Friday, 1 December 2023 in Wustrow. The volunteer centre there, which has been in existence for more than 175 years, is the oldest in the DGzRS. It now has a completely new rescue boat specially developed for the area - including a new special trailer and tractor.

Around eight and a half metres long, a draught of 60 centimetres and a speed of 33 knots (approx. 61 km/h) - these are some of the striking technical specifications of the new boat. The new 8.4 metre class of the DGzRS was constructed by Arctic Airboats in Finland, in close development cooperation with the sea rescuers. The prototype was built by a specialised Finnish boatbuilding company.

The new, extremely seaworthy rescue boat has a high-strength aluminium hull - typical of DGzRS rescue units. The superstructure is made of extremely robust glass fibre reinforced pl

Nearly 100 years after the founding of the international association of maritime rescue services from around the world, the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) hosted the XXIV World Maritime Rescue Congress (WMRC). Two rescue units of the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service (DGzRS) and a historic rowing rescue boat participated in the comprehensive exchange of ideas and experiences from June 18 to 20 in Rotterdam. The host was the Koninklijke Nederlandse Redding Maatschappij (KNRM), the Dutch sister society of the DGzRS.