In 2025, the DGzRS sea rescuers in the German SAR area will be 1,723 times moved out. For water sports enthusiasts alone the crews travelled 876 insertsof which 739 for sailing vessels. Behind the figures are typical breakdowns and accidents.
Causes of use 2025 Water sports
| Cause of use | Total | Sailboats |
| 🌬️ Aborted | 69 | 6 |
| 🪨 Run aground | 223 | 220 |
| 🔥 Fire on board | 7 | 7 |
| ⛽fuel shortage | 8 | 7 |
| Electrical problems | 7 | 3 |
| 🌊 Capsized | 34 | 26 |
| ⚙️ Gearbox damage | 3 | 3 |
| 💥 Collision | 1 | 1 |
| 🧵 Line/net in the propeller | 26 | 26 |
| 🪵 Mast breakage | 20 | 19 |
| 🛠️ Engine problems | 309 | 299 |
| 🧭 Disoriented | 12 | 11 |
| 🚨 Person overboard | 11 | 7 |
| 🌀 Propeller lost | 6 | 6 |
| 🛟 Rudder damage | 30 | 30 |
| 💧 Water ingress | 21 | 19 |
Striking: Sailboats are dominated by Engine problems (299) and Ground contacts (220) - two classics that with consistent checks can at least be significantly reduced. However, the higher number of sailing yachts compared to other water sports vehicles is also due to the fact that there are more sailors on the water.
More than 3,300 people helped
In total, the sea rescuers helped 2025 3,389 people (previous year: 2,967). 135 persons were rescued from distress at sea, 327 others rescued from danger. According to the DGzRS, the slight decrease in the total number of missions compared to the previous year (1,723 instead of 1,775) is mainly due to fewer rescue missions that ultimately did not require any intervention. However, the number of people who were actually helped increased significantly.
The DGzRS not only comes to the aid of leisure boats: fishing vessels and merchant ships, ferries and passenger ships are also regularly deployed.
Laura Wontorra is the new ambassador
For years, the sea rescuers have received prominent support from volunteer ambassadors. From 2026, TV presenter and sports journalist Laura Wontorra will take on this role. She wants to campaign for more people to become sponsors, also with a view to funding: the DGzRS states that it is financed exclusively by donations and does not utilise any public funds. Wontorra succeeds author Klaus-Peter Wolf, who will remain an ambassador for the DGzRS.
Modernisation of the fleet
The DGzRS is pushing ahead with the renewal of its rescue fleet in parallel with its operational activities. On average, rescue units are in hard service for around 30 years, which means that older rescue cruisers and boats have to be replaced regularly.
In 2025, two new sea rescue boats went into service: units of the new 8.4 metre class were christened at the Zinnowitz (Usedom) and Zingst stations. They have special trailers and tractors because they are each deployed in two areas, both on the Baltic Sea and in back waters (Achterwasser and Bodden).
Also under construction is the prototype of a new rescue boat with a length of around 12.75 metres. It is to be delivered in the course of the year and will initially be extensively trialled at several stations. In addition, the contract for a new type of rescue cruiser with a daughter boat is about to be awarded.
