The Belgian Ministry of Defense has launched a technical investigation into the emergency incident aboard the newest mine countermeasure vessel M940 Oostende, reports VRT.
On Tuesday evening, around 7:30 PM, strong smoke was reported aboard the mine countermeasure vessel M940 Oostende in the Belgian port of Zeebrugge. This is a brand new ship that had left the dry dock just a day before the incident.
According to Defense Minister Theo Francken, the cause of the smoke was overheating of the SCR unit, which is part of the exhaust system.
There was no open flame, but a dense cloud of smoke formed. The fire brigade cooled the overheated areas. The crew was unharmed, and the ship itself is also safe.
Minister Francken described the incident as "noteworthy" and drew parallels with recent events in Europe.
"We must thoroughly investigate: what happened, who is involved, and how this was possible," Francken stated, recalling the arrest of two individuals in Germany who are suspected of attempting sabotage against military ships in the port of Hamburg.
