1 person dead and 16 injured: the toll from the fire that broke out around midnight on the Fremantle Highway
The vessel, owned by Shoei Kisen and chartered by K Line, had 23 crewmembers on board. It was 27 kilometres north of the Dutch island of Ameland when the flames began to spread from the cargo deck.
The crewmembers were evacuated by helicopters and lifeboats. Several had to dive into the water to save themselves from the flames.
The people on board were taken to Lauwersoog and Eelde airport. The 16 injured were then taken by ambulance to nearby hospitals.
The Fremantle Highway is still on fire and there are fears it could sink at any moment. The ship has 2857 cars on board, 25 of which are electric. It is just a few kilometres away from one of the most popular tourist destinations for people from northern Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark.
The Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure & Water Management is monitoring the situation very carefully to limit possible environmental damage.
Translation by Giles Foster
