Sunken Sailboat in Flensburg Harbor Recovered, Investigation into Water Pollution Ongoing
Flensburg, Germany (September 2023) – A sailboat that sank in Flensburg Harbor on Wednesday morning has been recovered. The incident occurred during a severe weather event in the night between Tuesday and Wednesday, causing the vessel’s mooring line to break and the boat to impact the quay.
According to a spokesperson for the harbor authority, the vessel, named "Shangri La," was not occupied at the time of the sinking. However, the owner is currently under investigation for water pollution.
Following the vessel’s sinking, diesel fuel leaked into the harbor, prompting the fire department to deploy an oil spill containment boom around the sailboat. The boat was located away from official berthing areas.
The extent of the environmental damage is still being assessed. "Water samples must be taken first," said a police spokesperson.
To prevent further hazards from leaking fuel, the boat, which dates back to the 1970s, was raised from the water on Wednesday morning. A diver attached straps to the vessel’s hull, allowing it to be lifted out of the water by a crane and placed into storage.
According to the harbor authority, the "Shangri La" is likely beyond repair and has been deemed a total loss.
Timeline of Events:
- Night between Tuesday and Wednesday: Severe weather event leads to the "Shangri La" breaking its mooring and colliding with the quay.
- Wednesday morning: The boat sinks, causing a diesel fuel leak.
- Fire department deploys an oil spill containment boom.
- Police begin investigating the incident and the vessel’s owner for water pollution.
- Divers prepare the vessel for recovery.
- Wednesday morning: The "Shangri La" is raised from the water using a crane and placed into storage.
Environmental Concerns:
The sinking of the "Shangri La" has raised concerns about water pollution in Flensburg Harbor. Diesel fuel, a type of fossil fuel, can have harmful effects on marine life and the environment.
The deployment of an oil spill containment boom is a crucial step in mitigating the environmental impact. The boom helps to prevent the spread of the diesel fuel and allows it to be collected for proper disposal.
Water samples will be taken to assess the extent of the pollution and determine the appropriate cleanup and mitigation measures.
Investigation and Legal Implications:
The investigation into the sinking of the "Shangri La" is ongoing. The police are focusing on the cause of the incident and the potential legal implications for the vessel’s owner.
Underwater investigations and witness statements will be gathered to determine if any negligence or violations of maritime regulations contributed to the sinking.
The owner of the vessel faces charges of water pollution due to the diesel fuel leak. The severity of the charges and any potential penalties will depend on the findings of the investigation.
Aftermath:
The recovery of the "Shangri La" from Flensburg Harbor is a positive step in preventing further environmental damage. The boat’s removal will allow for cleanup operations and water quality testing to proceed.
The ongoing investigation into the incident is essential for determining accountability and ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
