The Hauge: On Wednesday, an out-of-control fire on a goods ship carrying nearly 3,000 cars was burning in the North Sea. The Dutch coast guard reported that one crew member had died, others had been hurt and it was working to prevent the ship from sinking.

The 23 crew members were removed from the ship using boats and helicopters after they failed to put out the fire, according to a statement from the coast guard.

According to Coast Guard spokeswoman Lea Versteeg, "there are currently a lot of vessels on scene to monitor the situation and to see how to get the fire under control."

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"However, it all depends on the weather and the extent of the vessel's damage. Therefore, we are currently figuring out how to ensure that the worst-case scenario occurs.

Versteeg responded when asked if it was possible for the ship to sink: "It's a scenario we're taking into account and we're preparing for all scenarios."

The Fremantle Highway caught fire about 27 kilometres (17 miles) north of the Dutch island of Ameland as it travelled from the German port of Bremen to Port Said in Egypt.

It was unclear how the crew member died, and the cause of the fire was not immediately known. 

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According to Reuters, a coastguard official told the NOS national broadcaster that one of the approximately 25 electric vehicles on board may have started the fire. 

"It is carrying 2,857 cars, 25 of which are electrical cars, making the fire more challenging. Even in such a vessel, it's difficult to control that kind of fire, according to Versteeg.
Images taken from the shore showed a long column of grey smoke coming from the wrecked ship and drifting over the water.

One of the towing ships was able to connect with the freighter and hold it in place.

"We hope the fire will be under control or die out and that we can get the vessel in a safe location," Versteeg said. But what will happen next is all uncertain.

German news agency dpa reported that authorities in Germany were also on high alert.

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A spokesman for the German sea disaster command in the northern city of Cuxhaven said, "We are monitoring the situation," adding that they had offered support to the Dutch authorities. Although no decision had been made regarding whether to send rescue ships and task forces, he claimed they were prepared to assist if necessary.