On Monday night, 8 June, a fire broke out on a catamaran in the area of Oldenburg's harbour promenade. At around 03:35, witnesses reported to the police that the two-hulled vessel moored there was on fire. Investigations into the exact background and motive are ongoing.
Full fire in the early hours of the morning
When the emergency services arrived at the berth, the boat was already ablaze. The fire brigade immediately began extensive extinguishing work, but it was not possible to prevent the catamaran from burning out completely. Fortunately, no people were injured. According to the police Oldenburg-City / Ammerland the boat was not manned at the time of the fire.
Two suspects arrested
In the course of the initial investigation, witnesses provided concrete evidence that the fire was caused by a third party. According to the police in Oldenburg, observers had seen two people throwing an object at the boat shortly before the fire broke out.
As part of the immediate manhunt, officers stopped two men aged 34 and 37 in Bahnhofsstraße and arrested them. Due to the initial suspicion of serious arson, the Oldenburg public prosecutor's office also ordered blood samples to be taken from the suspects to check for possible alcohol influence. Once the initial police measures had been completed, the men were released.
Criminal investigation department appeals for witnesses
Investigations into the exact circumstances of the offence are still ongoing. The Oldenburg police asks other witnesses who made suspicious observations during the night to call 0441 7904115.
Causes and how to avoid them
The incident in Oldenburg shows once again the devastating speed with which a ship fire can spread. When a yacht catches fire in the harbour, it is almost always a total loss - and the material damage can quickly run into the millions. There are many causes, ranging from deliberate arson to fatal human error.
However, it is usually faulty electrical appliances or overloaded electrical systems that cause smouldering fires without being noticed. Equally risky is the careless handling of liquid fuels such as petroleum and spirits or highly flammable chemical residues in the baking boxes.
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David Ingelfinger
Volontär
