Man runs aground with sailing boat on Norderney - and wants to stay
A sailor who ran aground with his sailing boat has become a tourist attraction on the island of Norderney. The German, who is around 70 years old, ran aground with his boat on the island's west beach on Monday morning, a police spokeswoman said on Wednesday. It was not initially known exactly where he came from. According to information from the dpa photographer, the boat had been lying in a shipyard near Hooksiel near Wilhelmshaven for some time.
The police spokeswoman said that the sailor had often lived on the sailing boat for long periods of time and had been out on the North Sea. He now continues to live on his boat and attracts many onlookers, as a photographer reported to the German Press Agency. He tells the visitors stories about his life at sea. It was initially unclear how long he would remain there.
"It's not every day that a sailing ship strands here," said an island spokesperson. There is not yet a blueprint for the salvage operation. However, the island administration and police agree that this cannot be a permanent situation. "It's storm surge season, and in the event of a strong tide, the ship could wash up and damage the coastal protection," said the island spokesperson.
Probably no longer seaworthy
According to the police spokeswoman, the ship has a defective engine, a defective anchor and a damaged rudder. It is unclear whether it can still stay afloat, said the island spokesman. In order to be able to leave the beach, it would have to be repaired or towed away. However, it is still unclear exactly how this will be done.
Many discussions are currently being held, said the island spokesman, including about who could contribute to the costs. However, the man is not accepting any help from the administration. "The willingness to cooperate is limited," said the island administration.
The sailing boat is not the only ship to be washed ashore on the island. The wreck of a clam-sucker has been lying on the eastern beach of Norderney for over 50 years. It is a popular excursion destination and photo opportunity for many visitors to the island.
The sailor's colorful stories about his sea adventures have become a draw for visitors, making his stranded ship a vibrant emerged attraction. Despite the concerns over possible shipping emergencies during the storm surge season, the man has expressed no interest in accepting assistance for his faulty boat with a damaged rudder and non-functioning engine.
Source: www.dpa.com
