Dramatic sea rescue: naval successes get sailors out of mortal danger!

Dramatic sea rescue: naval successes get sailors out of mortal danger!

The German Society for the Rescue of Shipwrecker (DGZRS) and a naval winner saved four people from a critical situation in front of the Eiderstedt peninsula in Schleswig-Holstein on Friday. The affected sailors, two women and two men, were in need with their maneuverable sailing yacht on the Wadden Sea and drove about 19 kilometers from Westerheversand when the skipper raised alarm.

The conditions were anything but ideal: strong wind and high waves that reached up to two meters in their tip made the rescue extremely challenging. According to DGZRS, three of the crew members also developed seasickness, which made the situation even more difficult. This type of health impairment is called a serious danger on the high seas.

Use of sea retters and naval students

In order to save the endangered sailors, the cruiser "ice bet" of the DGZRS was used. However, its crew was immediately confronted with difficulties: a leash between the ships tore several times, and a second cruiser could also not be helped. After several failed attempts to save the crew from the sailing yacht, a navy helicopter was consulted. The latter finally got all four crew members using ropes from the yacht.

After the rescue, the skipper was brought on board one of the sea rescue cruisers, while the three seasid's bars were safely brought ashore. The entire use that extended over Friday required several attempts and intensive efforts to ultimately safely land the sailboat.

role of the DGZRS

The DGZRS, which has been responsible for the sea rescue in the German areas of the North and Baltic Sea since 1865, maintains around 60 sea rescue cruisers and boats. This organization operates independently and finances its work exclusively through donations and voluntary contributions. Since its foundation, the DGZRS has saved more than 87,000 people from distress or freed it in danger. The area of ​​responsibility of the DGZRS comprises a coastline of 3,660 kilometers and is looked after at a total of 55 stations of around 180 fixed and over 800 voluntary sea rescuers.

The sea rescuers are ready around the clock and in any weather to help people in need. Your missions may be necessary for various reasons, including people overboard, fire in the machine room or rudder failure. Further information on the alarming procedure in the case of the sea can be found on the DGZRS website.

The dangerous event before Eiderstedt once again shows the important role that the DGZRS plays in German shipping, and the challenges that the sea rescuers have to face in rough conditions.