A barge loaded with sand and gravel leaked in the fishing port in Bremerhaven. A spokesman for the fire brigade said water got into the hull of the 85-meter-long freighter. In addition, oil leaked from the ship. The damage was found on Thursday evening when the ship was moored at the quay wall. How this came about was still unclear on Friday.
The emergency services were able to secure the ship and pumped six tons of water mixed with oil out of the hull. To facilitate the process, much of the ship’s cargo has been removed. An oil boom was installed to prevent possible water contamination.
An oil leak was found, a small crack above the waterline, said the fire department spokesman. However, it is still unclear whether this crack was also the cause of the water ingress. However, the crack may have been below the waterline before unloading.
According to the spokesman, there was no danger that the ship could sink. It is “relatively stable” and swims, and it is also controlled by the crew.
Notice from the fire department
