German news outlet Süddeutsche Zeitung reports that the German Navy has successfully prevented a sabotage attempt on one of its ships by an unknown perpetrator.
The incident is the latest in a series of sabotage attempts that appear to be targeting the navy's surface ships and shore installations.
The most recent attempt occurred last week on the frigate Hessen while it was in Wilhelmshaven for repairs.
Reports stated that an attempt had been made to contaminate the ship's potable water tanks by filling these with waste oil instead of clean water. Navy officials said that the attempt was prevented and that an investigation by local police is already underway.
Inspector of the German Navy Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack had earlier told reporters that a number of navy ships were targeted by sabotage and that there had also been attempts by individuals to gain unauthorised entry into naval bases.
Weeks prior to the attempt on Hessen, an undetermined quantity of metal shavings had been found in the engine room of the corvette Emden, which is still under construction at a yard in Hamburg.
Local media said that if the shavings had not been detected, these would have resulted in significant damage to Emden's propulsion machinery.