The burning cargo ship Fremantle Highway, lying near the Dutch Wadden island of Terschelling, may not be towed after all. The towing was supposed to happen this weekend, but the smoke and current wind direction make it too dangerous.
For days now, the Fremantle Highway has been burning off the Dutch Wadden Islands: a fire broke out on Tuesday night and the emergency services have been trying to extinguish it ever since. They want to tow the ship so it can be in a safer place – further away from busy shipping lanes.
That operation was meant to take place this weekend, but smoke and the direction of the wind are throwing a spanner in the works, announced the Department of Public Works.
"Due to the current southwest wind, it is now not possible to tow the ship. The smoke development from the fire and the current wind direction mean that during the entire towing operation of the ship, the smoke will pass over the tug," the Department announced. "Therefore, should the salvage company start towing now, it is not without risks and the safety and health of the crew is always paramount."
However, a second emergency towing connection was established today at the rear of the cargo ship.
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The wind will continue to come from the southwest for the next few days, according to weather forecasts. This means it could be several days before the ship is brought to its new (temporary) location. Until then, the ship will remain docked.
Several marine engineers, hazardous materials experts, firefighters and nautical specialists are constantly monitoring the ship.
