Sailor runs aground with sailboat on Norderney
A sailor who ran aground with his sailing boat has become a tourist attraction on the island of Norderney. The man, 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. The man, who had often lived on the sailing boat for long periods of time, 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 on Wednesday. There is still no 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.
According to the police spokeswoman, the ship, which the man had built a lot himself, has a defective engine, a defective anchor and a damaged rudder. It is unclear whether it will still be able to stay afloat, the island spokesman said. 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.
The island spokesman said that the ship would probably have to be towed across the water to the port of Norderney. For a salvage over land, the island probably lacks the appropriate equipment, among other things. Many discussions are currently being held, including about who could contribute to the costs. The man is not accepting any help from the administration. "The willingness to cooperate is limited," said the island administration.
The sailor was not injured in the incident on Monday. The ship is currently lying safely in the sand and is protected from the influence of the tide, at least for a while, the police said. As long as there is no storm surge, there is no danger.
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 sailboat, with its defective engine and damaged rudder, has become a unique attraction, drawing crowds with its tales of sea life. Despite the ongoing emergencies, such as the storm surge season and the potential for strong tides, discussions are underway about how to safely tow the ship to the port.
Source: www.dpa.com
