Salvage of the sunken fishing vessel Rudolf Virchow” started in Stralsund!

Salvage of the sunken fishing vessel Rudolf Virchow” started in Stralsund!

In an impressive operation that kept the maritime community in the northern German region on tenterhooks, the sunken fishing vessel “Rudolf Virchow” was recovered from Dänholm near Stralsund. After around six weeks in the water, the emergency services were able to successfully begin the rescue on July 15, 2025. Experts used a floating crane to bring the 24-meter-long ship to daylight. NDR reports that the ship was lying at an angle on the bottom, which didn't make the rescue any easier.

Divers were deployed to attach straps to the bow and stern of the cutter. This was an important prerequisite before the major lifting operation with the floating crane could take place. An ecological precautionary measure was also part of the preparation: the fire brigade and the technical relief agency had placed an oil barrier around the wreck to prevent water contamination. You can find out more about the details of the rescue from Tagesschau.

The next stage: emptying the pump and researching the causes

After the ship has been righted and pumped empty, the search for the cause of the sinking should begin immediately. Around ten specialists, including divers, assistants and two trained captains, take care of this task. The “Rudolf Virchow” is not just an ordinary fishing boat; She was one of the last deep-sea cutters in the GDR, which gives her a special place in the maritime history of the region.

The salvage operation highlights the challenges that seafaring often faces. Ship accidents can occur for a variety of reasons and it is important to clarify the exact circumstances. According to a review of maritime disasters, on Wikipedia can be found, such events can have both technical and weather-related causes.

What happens next with the “Rudolf Virchow”?

After salvaging, the ship will be taken to the Volkswerft, where it will be dismantled and scrapped. This is a necessary step in order to properly dispose of any damaged wood residues or other environmentally harmful materials. The owner of the cutter, a man from Magdeburg, will be kept informed about the further progress of the rescue and the steps involved.

These events surrounding the “Rudolf Virchow” also shed light on the resilient community in Stralsund, which shows solidarity in such challenging situations. This campaign not only shows that maritime culture is alive in the region, but also that those responsible have a good knack for dealing with such crises.