German rescue services board stricken oil tanker, fire still burning

German rescue services have boarded the stricken Annika oil tanker, the Central Command for Maritime Emergencies said on Friday.

"They were able to explore the situation," a spokeswoman said.

Further courses of action are being planned, but the fire has not yet been extinguished.

The spokeswoman also confirmed that several of the seven crew members on board suffered injuries such as smoke inhalation and have been taken to hospital.

The ship was travelling from the northern port of Rostock to Travemünde when a fire broke out on its stern. Emergency services received a call shortly after 9 am (0700 GMT).

The Annika is carrying 640 tons of heavy fuel oil, but no environmental damage has yet been reported from the blaze.