The captain deliberately steers the survey ship to the beach

Icon: enlarge

The "Oland" on the beach in front of Westerland: emergency maneuvers after leak

A survey ship leaked off Sylt and was deliberately driven by the captain into the shallow water on the beach in Westerland. There are no environmental hazards, for example through the leakage of oil or other pollutants, said the rescue control center north. The four crew members were uninjured. How the ship would be recovered was not initially clear.

Because of the rescue operation of the fire brigade, boats and rescue machines, part of the beach and the promenade in Westerland was cordoned off, a photographer reported to the dpa news agency. Hundreds of onlookers followed the action.

Icon: enlarge

Onlookers on the beach in front of Westerland

The wrecked ship is the 23 meter long "MS Oland". It belongs to the State Office for Coastal Protection, National Park and Marine Protection Schleswig-Holstein. The home port of the survey ship is Husum, according to the water police.

According to the police, the "Oland" had probably touched a groyne while measuring the coast. The ship leaked and a lot of water penetrated. The master finally drove the "Oland" to the beach to prevent her sinking. The water police, the emergency command and the fire brigade were on duty, the investigations are ongoing.

fek / dpa