Oil tanker on fire in Germany

A massive fire broke out on the oil tanker 'Annika' in the Baltic Sea off the coast of north-eastern Germany, leading to a large-scale rescue operation. The 73-metre vessel, carrying approximately 640 tons of heavy fuel oil, was engulfed in flames after an explosion early Friday morning, prompting immediate action from the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service. All seven crew members were successfully evacuated, with reports of several sustaining injuries, although no fatalities have been confirmed. The fire has been mostly contained to the engine room, and authorities have assured that no environmental damage has occurred thus far. The Annika has been towed to Rostock port for further firefighting efforts, while the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Witnesses reported seeing black smoke visible from the shore, raising concerns about potential ecological impacts.