Sea rescuers in Wilhelmshaven: A day full of adventure and helpers' hearts!

Sea rescuers in Wilhelmshaven: A day full of adventure and helpers' hearts!

On July 14, 2025, numerous interested parties gathered in Wilhelmshaven to take a closer look at the fascinating and vital work of the German Society for the Rescue of Shipwrecked People (DGzRS). On this day, an “open day” took place in the DGzRS station at the flood port, which was used by many as the perfect opportunity to find out more about the challenges and the impressive missions of the sea rescuers. The program offered exciting conversations with volunteer rescue workers and the opportunity to watch exercises up close.

The event took place at the station building, while the sea rescue cruiser “Bernhard Gruben” was moored at the pier and held an open ship for visitors. But anyone who wanted to board had to be patient, as there were longer waiting times due to the limited number of seats. But the enthusiasm of the visitors was unbroken when the cruiser, together with the daughter boat “Johann Fidi” and the lifeboat “Peter Habig”, demonstrated an impressive man-overboard maneuver, which was accompanied by a helicopter. This spectacle attracted many eyes, and many visitors pulled out their cameras to capture the action.

The story of the sea rescuers

The DGzRS can look back on a long tradition that began 160 years ago. The organization was founded in 1865 by Georg Breusing, Adolph Bermpohl and Arwed Emminghaus. In the first few years, the population's willingness to rescue shipwrecked people was low, which was triggered by two terrible ship accidents in 1854 and 1860. Since its founding, the DGzRS has rescued around 87,000 people from acute distress at sea and was deployed around 2,000 times on the North and Baltic Seas in 2023 alone. These figures impressively demonstrate the importance and necessity of this organization.

An essential part of their work is constant operational readiness at sea. This is no easy task, and yet there are around 1,000 rescuers, many of them volunteers, at 55 stations along the coast. Since its founding, the DGzRS has been financed entirely by donations and attaches great importance to political neutrality. Interestingly, during World War II, all people in distress at sea were rescued, regardless of their origin.

Technological progress and human helpfulness

Over time, not only the social attitude towards sea rescue has changed, but also the technology. From the initial rowing rescue boats, the DGzRS has developed into modern sea rescue cruisers that are powered by diesel engines. Nevertheless, people are at the center of this important work. As the DGzRS summarizes: “Get out when others come in” is a motto that describes the unshakable determination of sea rescuers to help even under the most difficult conditions.

To make the day even more interesting, a water basin for model ships was installed, in which small remote-controlled boats made their rounds while visitors looked at the various options for taking a ride on rescue units such as the “Peter Habig”. The event not only attracted people from Wilhelmshaven, but also from the entire region and North Rhine-Westphalia. The future of sea rescue seems secure as long as people support these important forces and value their work.

As the DGzRS has proven again and again, its work is not only a technical challenge, but also an expression of human solidarity and selfless help. This makes the sea rescuers an indispensable institution in Germany. While the organization continues to rely on donations, it remains optimistic and determined about the future.

For everyone who would like to find out more about the heroic deeds of the sea rescuers, the next date is already in sight: another “open day” will take place on July 27th, where even more insights into the important work of the DGzRS will be given. Don't miss the chance!

For further information please visit the website of NWZonline, ZDF Today and Seenotretter.de.