Stable Situation on Burning Freighter No flames are visible from the outside anymore. However, concerns remain that the “Fremantle Highway” might sink or break apart. According to a media report, the ship was carrying 500 electric cars, far more than previously assumed.
Over 48 hours after the outbreak, the fire on the “Fremantle Highway,” according to the Dutch Coast Guard, has subsided. A spokesperson for the Coast Guard told the news agency dpa that the temperature has also decreased. The cargo ship is stable and located approximately 17 kilometers north of the Wadden Sea island Terschelling. It is being held in position through an emergency connection to a tugboat.
Additional details about the cargo have emerged in the meantime. According to the Dutch news agency ANP, there were 500 electric cars on board, significantly more than the previously reported 25. ANP cited information from the company K Line, which had chartered the “Fremantle Highway” from a Japanese ship owner. It is unclear how this will affect the development of the fire. The total number of loaded cars was already revised upward in a media report yesterday.
Yesterday, a spokesperson for the Japanese shipping company Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha told the news agency dpa that the ship was carrying 3,783 cars. Previously, the Dutch Coast Guard had reported 2,857 cars, including 25 electric cars.
No Flames Visible from the Outside
Today, Dutch salvage specialists planned to create a salvage plan. The Coast Guard stated that as soon as the temperature allows, experts would inspect the ship. If the ship is stable enough, it can be towed to a safe location. The fire had already weakened by the evening.
According to the Coast Guard, no flames were visible on the ship this morning. However, it was still too early to give the all-clear, as the fire could reignite. The firefighting efforts continue to be challenging. Too much water on the freighter could cause it to capsize.
It is also believed that the interior of the ship is still burning, “probably also fiercely burning,” said ARD reporter Helga Schmidt, also in the morning. Salvaging the ship was not possible until late at night due to the high temperatures.
Secured to a Tugboat
Initially, the sides of the 200-meter-long ship were cooled from firefighting boats. However, this measure was temporarily suspended on Thursday as too much seawater entered the boat, which could jeopardize its stability. The freighter is now securely attached to a tugboat, which stabilizes its position, ensuring no disruption to other maritime traffic.
Although wind and currents are causing the “Fremantle Highway” to drift slightly, rescue teams are not concerned. The greater fear remains that the freighter might sink or break apart, which could have enormous consequences for the North Sea and the Wadden Sea ecosystem.
The “Fremantle Highway” is under observation by surrounding ships and aerial surveillance, according to ARD reporter Schmidt. The timing of when a salvage team can board the ship remains uncertain.
Preparations for Potential Oil Cleanup
According to information from the relevant ministry, the wind and current predictions are favorable. In the event that fuel leaks from the ship, it would flow northwards into the open sea. Nonetheless, a specialized oil recovery vessel is already stationed near the freighter as a precautionary measure.
Especially in maritime emergencies, Hamburg’s firefighting special operations unit, headed by Dirk Flocke, has 125 firefighters and 25 medical professionals trained for sea missions on standby.
Flocke told the news agency dpa that they are dealing with metals with high thermal conductivity. Hot air and smoke gases can hardly dissipate, and the passageways are narrow, containing hazardous substances. Additionally, there is the cargo: “It’s always tight, it’s always hot.”
A fire on an automobile transporter poses particular challenges. The decks are packed tightly with vehicles, making it difficult for a hose to reach the source of the fire.
Stable Situation on Burning Freighter with No One Onboard Since Wednesday
The cargo ship “Fremantle Highway,” flying the flag of Panama, was en route from Bremerhaven to Singapore when a fire broke out on Tuesday night. The cause of the fire is still uncertain, but there are suspicions that it might have originated from the battery of an electric car.
As of Wednesday, there have been no people on board the “Fremantle Highway” as the crew was evacuated. Unfortunately, one person lost their life during the evacuation, and the remaining 22 crew members sustained minor injuries. The situation on the ship has been monitored closely, with firefighting efforts focused on preventing the fire from spreading or causing further damage.
The ship’s stability remains a concern, with authorities closely watching for any signs of sinking or structural integrity issues. The freighter, carrying a significant load of electric cars, has posed unique challenges for the firefighting teams due to the nature of the cargo and the potential risks associated with it.
Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, and salvage teams are preparing to board the vessel to assess the situation and devise a plan for potential recovery and cleanup efforts.
Despite the difficult circumstances, the authorities and rescue teams are working diligently to contain the situation and mitigate any potential environmental impacts in the sensitive North Sea and Wadden Sea regions. The safety and well-being of the crew members, as well as the protection of the marine ecosystem, remain top priorities during this challenging incident.