Major fire on the NOK: Luxury yacht and hall at Lürssen burnt down

Update from 03/07/2024: A major fire broke out in a shipbuilding hall at the Lürssen shipyard in Schacht-Audorf in the district of Rendsburg-Eckernförde on Tuesday morning. The exact cause of the fire and the condition of the ship lying in the hall are still unclear. However, it is assumed that considerable damage in the multi-million euro range has been caused. Water cannons from Lufttransportgeschwader 63 (LTG 63) from Hohn, fire boats and tracked vehicles were on site to fight the fire. For safety reasons, parts of Schacht-Audorf, including the shipyard site, were evacuated.

After 20 hours, the fire was finally extinguished; a total of 400 firefighters were involved. The technical relief organisation and a fire watch from the fire brigade remained on site. A NOK ferry with a water cannon assisted the fire brigade. The roof and façade of the hall partially collapsed as a result of the fire. It is reported that large holes have appeared in the side walls and the corrugated metal has partially melted. Due to the smoke, some residents in parts of Schacht-Audorf had to leave their homes. Around 30 people were affected and were temporarily accommodated with friends and relatives. A barracks, which is currently being used as refugee accommodation, was also affected.

First message from 02/07/2024: According to the fire brigade, a hall containing a yacht is on fire. Flames can also be seen outside the building. It is burning to the full extent, a fire service spokesperson told NDR. The hall is only two years old. It is still unclear whether it can be saved or will burn down. At 11.05 a.m., part of the hall wall is said to have collapsed. According to NDR, witnesses report that several explosions were heard. More than 100 shipyard workers are standing in the street looking towards their burning workplace.

Lürssen shipyard is evacuated

According to the police, one person suffered mild smoke inhalation. The world-famous shipyard is evacuated. There is still heavy smoke development. Emergency services from the entire Rendsburg area were called to the fire at Lürssen. The site is cordoned off and full of fire engines. The warning app "Nina" reports smoke in the Schacht-Audorf area. Windows and doors are to be kept closed. According to the radio station RSH, the column of smoke is travelling as far as Kiel. The danger zone has been extended accordingly.

No ships are currently travelling on the Kiel Canal. Rescue vehicles have right of way on the ferries crossing the canal. More than 200 emergency services are already on site and more have been requested. According to various sources, the ship involved is the 75 metre long superyacht "Honululu".

Unclear operational situation on the site

According to the fire brigade, the situation is unclear. Initially, only a slight amount of smoke was reported, Michael Heinrich from the Neumünster police told various newspapers. The fire brigade is currently trying to cool the hall walls from the outside in order to lower the temperature inside. As a precaution, two rescue helicopters with emergency doctors were also sent to the Lürssen shipyard, but they have already left again. Around ten rescue service vehicles are also on standby. The dark column of smoke above the ship's hall can be seen from afar.

According to the fire brigade spokesman, the firefighting work will continue for several hours.

Not the first time there has been a fire at the shipyard

In 2018, there was a major fire in the floating dock on the site in Bremen-Aumund, where the yacht project "Sassi" was located. The entire site was evacuated and around 110 firefighters - including employees from Meyer Werft - took part in the extinguishing work. There were no personal injuries in September 2018. The fire was brought under control the next morning. The ship "Sassi", which was originally scheduled for completion in 2020, was considered a total loss.