Burned cargo ship sails the Atlantic

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ABOARD THE MSC FLAMINIA, Germany, Aug. 9 (UPI) -- A blighted German cargo ship, heavily damaged by fire, was being towed around the Atlantic Ocean for lack of a dock, officials said.

"I think it's ridiculous that a ship sailing under a German flag in this situation can't get permission from countries in the European community," said Helmut Ponath, head of NSB shipping company. Indeed, no European port will allow the MSC Flaminia to dock.

The Local reported for reasons yet to be determined, fire broke out on the ship in mid-July, while it was en route from Charleston, N.C., to Antwerp, Belgium, killing one sailor. Another is still missing.

The boat sailed aimlessly for some time, unmanned and ablaze, until salvage workers were finally able to bring the fire under control. The shipping company said small fires may still persist in individual containers, but the overall situation is stable.

Ponath said unless the ship finds a port soon, salvage work will be challenging.