A massive fire broke out at Lürssen shipyard early Tuesday morning (July 2, 2024), destroying a large building hall and a superyacht under construction.
The fire started at about 9:00 a.m. local time at the Schacht-Audorf manufacturing facility on the Kiel Canal and was eventually extinguished by the afternoon.
Over 300 firefighters, two evacuation helicopters, and multiple ambulances were dispatched to the area, with one person hospitalized for smoke inhalation and 24 others treated on-site.
Eyewitnesses reported many explosions as the fire spread quickly. Approximately 100 personnel were evacuated, while smoke over the city forced at least 30 citizens to leave the area.
The fireboats helped fight the fire, though operations on the Kiel Canal were temporarily halted. Despite restrictions, the site is expected to smoulder for several days.
According to unverified sources, the fire started on the luxury yacht Honolulu, a 246-foot vessel valued at $250 million and built for a Saudi tycoon.
Lürssen, however, has not validated this information.
A recent social media picture from Lürssen revealed a chrome-covered yacht in a dry dock, raising suspicion about its identity.
Firefighters could not enter the hall due to severe temperatures of over 1000 degrees Fahrenheit, so they had to fight the fire from the outside.
Video Credits: Neue Nachrichten/YouTube
By mid-morning, the roof and some of the external walls of the 320-foot-long hall had collapsed.
Lürssen, a well-known constructor of large luxury yachts, issued a statement praising the fire crews, stating that the precise cause of the incident is unknown.
They assured that no serious injuries had occurred and declared that cleanup operations would begin immediately, with plans to restore shipyard activities gradually.
Lürssen, founded in 1875, owns and runs several shipyards in Germany, specializing in large ship construction and maintenance.
Following the demolition of a critical section of the yard, workers raised fears about job security.
Further reports from Lürssen stated that shipyard operations had been halted and would resume in certain areas on July 3.
The Federal Agency for Technical Relief and a fire watch team are on the scene, working to reduce temperatures to assist in the inquiry into the fire’s source.
According to local news, the fire started in a shed and spread, partially causing the hall’s roof and exterior to collapse.
One of the destroyed structures is a superyacht currently being built; however, specifics are unknown.
Lürssen is building seven yachts, including the 107-meter Project Icecap and the 142.1-meter Project Ali Baba, the latter of which was involved in a separate incident in December 2023.
The inquiry continues, and the story will be updated as additional information is available.
Reference: The Triton, Boat International
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Marine Insight News Network is a premier source for up-to-date, comprehensive, and insightful coverage of the maritime industry. Dedicated to offering the latest news, trends, and analyses in shipping, marine technology, regulations, and global maritime affairs, Marine Insight News Network prides itself on delivering accurate, engaging, and relevant information.
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