1 killed in cargo ship fire in North Sea

BERLIN

At least one crew member was killed Wednesday and others injured in a fire on a freight ship in the North Sea, according to the Dutch Coast Guard.

The vessel carrying around 3,000 cars, including 25 electric vehicles, erupted in flames, posing a significant threat to the ship and the environment near Ameland Island.

A total of 22 crew members have been rescued.

The ship, Fremantle Highway Flower, departed from Bremerhaven in Germany and was en route to Egypt.

Lea Versteeg, a spokesperson for the Dutch Coast Guard, told Radio NOS1 that the fire has not yet been extinguished, emphasizing that controlling a fire on a ship, especially one carrying automobiles, is challenging.

Versteeg said there is a risk of the sinking of the 200-meter (656-foot) long and 32-meter (105-foot) wide cargo ship that was built in 2013, and a firefighting team is working to prevent that scenario.

German media, citing Dutch officials, said it was alleged that the fire originated from an electric vehicle onboard.

Ameland Mayor Leo Pieter Stoel expressed concerns about pollution on the shores of the island because of the fire.

Efforts are being made to secure the burning ship with ropes to prevent disruptions to ship traffic.