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Sassnitz Lighthouse Closed Off as Baltic Ice Lures Crowds and Hinders LNG Traffic

Police say unstable Baltic ice near the harbor presents a life‑threatening hazard.

Overview

  • The Sassnitz Mole and the access path to the lighthouse have been cordoned off since Feb. 9, keeping visitors behind barriers.
  • Thousands flocked to Rügen over the weekend to view the rare frozen‑spray formations, with many venturing onto harbor ice despite repeated warnings.
  • Water police caution that currents, waves and salinity make the ice unreliable, and possible icebreaker activity could abruptly break up sheets.
  • Officials emphasize that anyone falling through the ice faces acute danger and that rescue operations would be extremely difficult and risky for responders.
  • The Rügen LNG terminal remains affected by ice, with a waiting tanker postponing entry until the fairway is safely passable, as warmer temperatures forecast for next week may end the spectacle.