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The vehicle carrier MS Thames Highway has been successfully towed back to the port of Emden, Germany, following a fire that broke out on January 27, 2026. The incident occurred off the North Sea island of Borkum, leaving the vessel disabled and prompting a large-scale emergency response.
incident Overview
The MS Thames Highway, operated by an undisclosed shipping company, experienced a fire in its engine room while en route from Emden to Grimsby, England. The crew swiftly contained the blaze by sealing off the affected compartment, preventing it from spreading throughout the ship.
According to Germany’s Central Command for Maritime Emergencies (CCME), firefighting crews were deployed via helicopter and successfully extinguished the fire. Fortunately, all 18 crew members were unharmed, and there was no reported release of pollutants into the environment.
Extensive Response Effort
The emergency response involved a important coordinated effort, with over 60 responders, four vessels, and two helicopters mobilized to address the situation. Emergency personnel were stood down around midday (1100 GMT) on Tuesday, January 27th, after confirming the fire was fully extinguished and the situation was stable.
Cargo and Current Status
The MS Thames Highway was carrying approximately 1,300 vehicles, including around 480 electric cars, at the time of the incident. Authorities have confirmed that the cargo was not affected by the fire.
A private salvage company successfully towed the vessel back to Emden, where it is currently undergoing damage assessment and repair. Authorities have stated that the ship will remain in port until these processes are completed and it is indeed deemed safe to sail.
Investigation Underway
Police are currently investigating the cause of the fire. While the investigation is ongoing, initial reports indicate the incident was contained effectively due to the crew’s prompt actions.
Looking Ahead
The incident highlights the