Fuel Spill in Elbe After Collision Between Two Vessels

On July 23, a collision occurred on the Elbe River near Cuxhaven, Germany, involving the German-flagged oil tanker Capella and the Dutch-flagged offshore supply vessel Coastal Legend. The impact reportedly caused a rupture in the Coastal Legend's fuel tank, resulting in a marine fuel spill.

The Capella was reportedly maneuvering into Cuxhaven’s outer harbour when it struck the stationary Coastal Legend. While the full extent of damage to either vessel has not yet been made public, early reports indicate that the Coastal Legend sustained hull damage and a breached fuel tank.

Authorities confirmed that around six cubic meters of marine fuel were released into the water. Emergency response teams deployed containment booms and oil skimmers in an effort to limit the spill's spread. Another vessel, the tanker Herta, was dispatched to the site to assist and successfully transferred the remaining fuel from the damaged ship.

The incident has prompted an ongoing investigation, with local authorities closely monitoring the environmental impact and assessing the cause of the collision.