After a barge broke up and sank in the port of Emden, it is unclear when the ship can be salvaged. Experts have started pumping out hazardous substances.
The Emden fire department was in constant use on Friday to pump out operating materials from the sunken freighter – by the afternoon, according to NDR information, there were already twelve cubic meters. It is not clear how much oil and diesel are still in the ship. The fire brigade has set up oil barriers and is constantly pumping out any escaping fuel.
1,200 tons of gravel sank with the ship
The “Sabine” broke apart and sank on Thursday while loading gravel. The crew members remained uninjured. As a police spokesman said, the ship’s insurance company is taking care of the upcoming salvage. In addition to the ship parts, the cargo also has to be removed from the harbor floor.
Son saves himself by jumping to land
The inland freighter was supposed to be loaded with 1,500 tons of gravel on Thursday at the Emden Südkai. After the ship had already taken on 1,200 tons, it broke apart with a loud bang and sank. The fire brigade and water police arrived with a large contingent. There were only two crew members on board: father and son. The son was able to save himself by jumping to land. Rescue workers had to pull his father out of the water.
Firefighters have set up oil barriers to prevent pollutants from escaping into the port.
Ship was extended years ago
The approximately 80 meter long ship is now at a depth of around eleven meters, one of the deepest places in the Emden harbor. It is still unclear why the freighter sank. Employees stated that all loading regulations were adhered to. The ship was lengthened years ago and parts were welded onto it. The water police want to clarify when the ship, built in 1965, was last examined in more detail.
