Cargo ship carrying 3,000 cars catches fire in North Sea

By Nur Asena Erturk

ANKARA (AA) – A freight ship carrying about 3,000 cars caught fire in the North Sea off the coast of the Netherlands on Thursday, with flames still emitted from the vessel, local media reported.

All 22 crew members were rescued, according to the NL Times.

The ship, Fremantle Highway Flower, was carrying around 3,000 cars, including 25 electric vehicles, from Bremerhaven in Germany to Egypt, when a fire broke out, engulfing the vessel in flames near Ameland Island, off Dutch shores, the daily said.

There is no risk of capsizing or sinking, the Dutch Coast Guard reportedly said, adding that it is impossible for now to examine and assess the situation due to fire and smoke.

Later, German Environment Minister Steffi Lemke expressed support for the rescue teams and crew members on Twitter, stating that her country will take all measures necessary to help.