On the morning of 23 July, a collision occurred in the outer harbor of Cuxhaven between the tanker CAPELLA and the offshore supply ship COASTAL LEGEND resulting in a diesel oil spill.
The collision caused a hull breach in the COASTAL LEGEND, leading to a spill of marine diesel oil. Initial estimates reported about 6,000 liters lost, but it is now assumed that up to 12,000 liters, the full tank contents have leaked into the water. Fortunately, no crew members were injured. Following the incident, the Central Command for Maritime Emergencies took over the general response coordination.
Emergency response teams from the Technical Relief Agency (THW), the Cuxhaven Fire Department and the Water Police were deployed to the scene. Furthemore, oil containment booms were set up and the Agency began cleanup using skimmers and suction pumps.
In addition, divers sealed the leak on the COASTAL LEGEND and the remaining fuel has been pumped out by the bunker ship HERTA.
According to the Central Command for Maritime Emergencies, approximately 80 to 100 cubic meters of oil-water mixture have been removed from the harbor surface. The collected mixture is being stored in tank trucks and on the HERTA for disposal. As stated, the cleanup is complicated by oil having drifted beneath harbor structures, particularly under the Lübbertkai.
The operations continue with the DO 228 aircraft to ensure no oil reaches the Elbe River, which has so far been successfully protected. Additional support is being provided by the oil recovery vessel KNECHTSAND, and the crews of both ships are receiving care from the German Seamen’s Mission and Stella Maris.
Despite the seriousness of the spill, there has been no impact on shipping traffic in the Elbe, while cleanup efforts remain ongoing.
