Fire Damages Oil Tanker Annika's Rear

The 73-meter-long German oil tanker 'Annika' caught fire in the engine room while in the Baltic Sea off the coast of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, suffering major structural damage at the rear. A major rescue operation involving 120 personnel, tugboats, and helicopters ensured the safe evacuation of all seven crew members, who were released from the hospital the same day. The tanker, carrying 640 tons of heavy fuel oil, reported no oil leaks, though oil barriers were erected as a precaution. The vessel is now moored at the Rostock seaport, where the fire was extinguished. Investigations into the cause of the fire have been delayed due to gas risks and are expected to commence on Monday.