Blaze on Baltic: Oil Tanker Annika Catches Fire

An oil tanker, Annika, caught fire off Germany's Baltic Sea coast. All seven crew members were safely evacuated. Three rescue vessels and firefighting teams are working to extinguish the blaze. The ship is anchored, carrying 640 tonnes of oil, and connected to a tugboat.

An oil tanker named Annika burst into flames early Friday off the Baltic Sea coast in northern Germany, prompting the immediate evacuation of all seven crew members. Rescue services swiftly responded to the emergency, ensuring everyone's safety.

In a concerted effort to control the fiery situation, three vessels have been dispatched to Mecklenburg Bay where the tanker is anchored. Several firefighting teams are traveling by helicopter to join the operation, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

The 73-meter-long, German-flagged Annika reportedly holds around 640 tonnes of oil. The tanker remains tethered to a tugboat, while the firefighting operations continue intensely. Authorities remain vigilant to prevent any potential ecological impact.

(With inputs from agencies.)