German authorities have reported that a small oil products tanker entering the Port of Cuxhaven collided with an offshore support vessel (OSV) departing the port, resulting in the leakage of at least 6,000 liters of fuel into the harbor. Response teams are working to prevent the spill from entering the Elbe River and to stop further leakage from the damaged OSV.

The Capella, a 1,340-deadweight-ton (DWT) product tanker flying the German flag, was arriving from the Port of Bremen when it collided with the Coastal Legend, a Dutch-flagged OSV with a gross tonnage of 328. Reports indicate that the Capella sustained minor damage, while the Coastal Legend suffered an approximately 80-centimeter (2.5-foot) crack and has been leaking fuel.

Following the collision, a reddish, oily film was observed on the surface of the water in the port. No injuries were reported among the crew members on either vessel. After both vessels docked at Cuxhaven, the crews were provided assistance by the German Seamen’s Mission and Stella Maris.

A containment boom has been placed around the Coastal Legend, and fuel is being pumped from the vessel to the Herta, a fuel transport ship. At the same time, divers are working to seal the water leaking from the area near the stern of the OSV.

Germany’s central command dispatched an aerial surveillance aircraft to monitor the extent of the spill, with a second flyover conducted later the same day. Authorities report that the majority of the fuel has been successfully prevented from reaching the Elbe River.

Skimmers are being used in the harbor to recover the spilled material. By late that day, responders had reportedly recovered approximately 80 cubic meters of water-fuel mixture, which was pumped into tanker trucks for disposal.

The water police are investigating the cause of the collision. Both vessels are reported to be in stable condition and pose no current risk. Shipping traffic on the Elbe River remains unaffected by the recovery operations.