German Warship Berlin Returning From Atlantic Due to Disease Outbreak

The crew of the German warship Berlin fell ill with the flu and chickenpox, forcing the ship to end its participation in exercises in the Atlantic ahead of schedule.

The Berlin departed the port of Wilhelmshaven in August to participate in several international maneuvers, acting as logistical support for other ships, Deutsche Welle reported.

There are about 240 servicemen on board, but the exact number of patients has not yet been disclosed, the Wilhelmshavener Zeitung reported.

On November 21, the ship left the port of Hamilton, the capital of Bermuda, where the sailors received first aid.

According to the German Navy, the outbreak has been showing a downward trend for several days.

Despite the situation, the ship fulfilled its logistical tasks during the transitions in full, but further participation in the exercises had to be canceled.

The command decided to return the Berlin to Wilhelmshaven earlier than planned to ensure a full medical examination and stabilization of the crew.

The Navy expects the ship to arrive at its home port before Christmas, after which a decision will be made on the timing of the ship’s return to service.

As a reminder, the German Navy recently conducted the largest missile drills in 30 years.