The beacon on the north mole of Bremerhaven is a landmark of the city on the Weser estuary. But the tower is in danger of collapsing: on Thursday night, the mole, at the top of which is the beacon with the red head, had lowered. According to the port operator Bremenports, it is not clear whether the tower will tip over in the coming days.
After all, the police were able to give a slight all-clear on Friday: the pier had not sagged any further, said a police spokesman. The structure is expected to be demolished with heavy equipment over the weekend. A crane should be set up during the day, said the police spokesman.
The sinking of the pier was not foreseen, said Bremenports Managing Director, Robert Howe, on site on Thursday. “Nevertheless, we have known for a number of years that the stability of the pier and, of course, the stability of the tower is at risk.”
According to Bremenports, the pier and the pier head on which the tower stands are founded on wooden piles. Investigations showed that these were lost under the pier. That’s why the pier was closed to visitors.
Bremerhaven’s Lord Mayor Melf Grantz (SPD) was appalled at the damage and sharply criticized it. “If you wanted to be cynical, you could say that was a disaster with announcement. For years I have been urgently informing those responsible in the Senate and at Bremenports of the need to renovate the north mole, but unfortunately nothing visible has happened.”
According to the city, the navigation mark, which was put into operation in 1914, has been a listed building since 2001. The north mole is owned by the State of Bremen, the tower with its active beacon belongs to the Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration. According to Bremenports, the pier and the pier head on which the tower stands are founded on wooden piles.
The sagging of the north mole is happening, of all times, on the maritime days, the city’s harbor festival this weekend. More than 80 different sailing, motor and steam ships will be on display.
