Denmark warns of ‘falling missile fragments’ in busy sea lane

COPENHAGEN – A triggered however defective rocket launcher on a Danish navy vessel activated a closure of airspace and shipping traffic in the Great Belt strait on Thursday, the Danish militaries stated.

Denmark’s National Maritime Authority had earlier cautioned ships not to cruise through the Great Belt strait, among the world’s busiest sea lanes and the primary maritime access to the Baltic Sea, due to the threat of “falling rocket pieces”.

“The issue took place throughout a necessary test where the rocket launcher is triggered and can not be shut down,” the armed force stated in a declaration.

“Until the rocket launcher is shut off, there is a danger that the rocket can fire and fly a couple of kilometres away,” the armed force included.

A marine workout was continuous in the location, a navigational caution revealed.

The caution covered a location some 4 kilometres (2.5 miles)south of the Great Belt bridge, which crosses the strait. The bridge stayed open up to traffic, its operator stated. REUTERS