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The prototype of a new boat class of the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service (DGzRS) was named KNUT OLAF KOLBE on Friday, 1 December 2023 in Wustrow. The volunteer centre there, which has been in existence for more than 175 years, is the oldest in the DGzRS. It now has a completely new rescue boat specially developed for the area - including a new special trailer and tractor.

Around eight and a half metres long, a draught of 60 centimetres and a speed of 33 knots (approx. 61 km/h) - these are some of the striking technical specifications of the new boat. The new 8.4 metre class of the DGzRS was constructed by Arctic Airboats in Finland, in close development cooperation with the sea rescuers. The prototype was built by a specialised Finnish boatbuilding company.

The new, extremely seaworthy rescue boat has a high-strength aluminium hull - typical of DGzRS rescue units. The superstructure is made of extremely robust glass fibre reinforced plastic. A 425 hp jet drive accelerates the boat to a speed of 33 knots (approx. 61 km/h).

Like its predecessor, this rescue boat is stationed ashore on a special trailer - also newly constructed - in the DGzRS rescue shed built in 1905 in the centre of Wustrow. A powerful John Deere 6R 230 tractor, specially converted for maritime use, transports the boat either to the open Baltic Sea or to the extensive backwaters of the Bodden.

Air Station Sitka’s area of responsibility (AOR) encompasses the entire Southeast region of Alaska from Dixon Entrance north to Central Alaska and from the U.S./Canadian border west to the central Gulf of Alaska.

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We look back on a quiet but exciting year. In 2023, our lifeboats made 2363 calls for assistance. Last year, 3,397 people (4,005 in 2022) and 123 animals were brought safely ashore by the lifeboats.

Everyone has also been busy preparing for the 200th anniversary in 2024. With special events, special products and exhibitions, KNRM has been marking a year since 11 November to reflect on the stories of the past and look ahead to the coming years full of innovation.

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Throughout the year, the volunteer lifeboat crews of the Royal Dutch Rescue Society (KNRM) visit the anchorages off the Dutch coast. Usually to get sick and injured people off board large sea-going vessels. Every year, the volunteer rescuers from KNRM rescue stations Katwijk aan Zee, Scheveningen, IJmuiden, Hoek van Holland, Ter Heijde, Stellendam and Neeltje Jans combine their last exercise of the year with a special action. They handed out Christmas loaves at ships anchored at anchor. We went out with the volunteers from Katwijk aan Zee!

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Erik Bye summarised the Rescue Society's work well in connection with our 100th anniversary. Sailing for life! This also summarises the year we have been through. We have sailed for life and saved 27 human lives. We are proud of that! Thank you to all of you who have made this possible: volunteers, permanent employees, donors, donors, supporters and the public sector. Thank you, and Merry Christmas!

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Take a look back at an eventful - and moving - year for sea rescuers in 2023 with our annual review! We would like to thank you all in #TeamSeenotretter for your great support in the year that is drawing to a close.

Every donation counts!

Thanks to your great commitment, the sea rescuers were once again able to carry out around 2,000 missions on the North Sea and Baltic Sea in 2023 - in all weathers, around the clock. And they did so voluntarily, independently and funded by donations. This would not be possible without you - thank you very much for your support!

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How do you quickly and intelligently evacuate hundreds of people from a ferry? What do you need to get everyone safely to shore? And: how can emergency services like KNRM, ambulances, fire brigade and the Coast Guard best work together to do so? This is what we are practising at LIVEX on 1 June 2024.

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Have you ever wondered what it takes for a Coast Guard rescue swimmer to respond to a capsized boat incident? Join us on a behind-the-scenes look into the Coast Guard’s unbelievable rescue case, where a yacht was flipped over by a massive wave near the Columbia River Bar.

Coast Guard rescue swimmer Branch Walton and aircrew member Joe Ivy recount what really happened that day.

The response took place while Walton was attending the Coast Guard’s Advanced Helicopter Rescue School (AHRS) in Astoria, Oregon. When he received the call, Walton readily put his rescue skills to the test and jumped into action. He worked closely with Ivy, an AHRS instructor/rescue flight mechanic to complete the mission.

This was the first life Walton saved as a Coast Guard rescue swimmer.

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On Wednesday 18/10 the rescuers were called away from dinner for a tough job. The Bonito, a yacht of 25 meters long and weighing 100 tons, was lying ten miles in the sea between Blankenberge and Zeebrugge with engine problems. The ship was at anchor waiting for help. The strong westerly wind caused considerable sea conditions, which did not make the operation any easier.

Due to the size of the vessel, both lifeboats carry Straffe Hendrik and Sterken Dries. Within 30 minutes of the call they were alongside the yacht. A rescuer was transferred. He evaluated the situation on board and helped the English-speaking crew to raise the anchor and make the towing connection between the Straffe Hendrik and the Bonito.

At a speed of 5 knots the Straffe Hendrik towed the Bonito towards the port of Zeebrugge.

About 3 hours later, both lifeboats and the Bonito arrive safely in the port of Zeebrugge, where the ship is taken alongside and moored at the visitors jetty. The rescuers are back in Blankenberge around 11 p.m. The STRAFFE Hendrik and the STERKEN Dries once again lived up to their names, or was it the crew that deserves praise here?