The burning cargo ship Fremantle Highway near the Dutch wadden island of Terschelling is being prepared for towing. If conditions allow, the ship will be brought to a temporary anchorage this weekend, before it will be towed to a port.
Last Tuesday, a fire broke out on board the Fremantle Highway freighter but the temperature on board the ship has dropped significantly since and the intensity of the fire and smoke have subsided. The cargo ship is currently stable.
In recent days, the Dutch coastguard, the Rijkswaterstaat (the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management) and salvage companies have been investigating whether and how the ship can be towed away and salvaged in the safest possible way.
Just yesterday, experts went on board to make a towing connection, allowing it to be moved better. According to the Rijkswaterstaat, the ship is stable and intact below the waterline. The ship is also not tilting.
Related News
When towing of the cargo ship – which will take between 12 and 14 hours – will begin depends on, among other things, smoke development and weather forecasts. But according to the Rijkswaterstaat, it is likely to take place this weekend. -
Once at the intended anchorage, the situation will be reviewed. The Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management said that the intention is to tow the ship to a port at some point. But which one is still unclear.
Now, preparations for towing to the eastern location have begun: the spot north of Schiermonnikoog is what the Rijkswaterstaat calls "a better starting position, fitting the different scenarios and the expected weather conditions." The Dutch coastguard will provide vessel guidance.
The Rijkswaterstaat reports that no direct consequences are expected for the residents and nature of the Wadden Islands.
