At around 13:30, the DGzRS Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Bremen received a report of a man adrift in the water: a dinghy with two sailors had capsized about two and a half nautical miles off Horumersiel. While trying to right the boat, one of the sailors fell into the North Sea. He quickly drifted away from the dinghy due to the outflowing water.
The volunteer sea rescuers from the Hooksiel and Horumersiel stations were alerted immediately. Both crews set sail immediately. Just 20 minutes later, the rescuers from Horumersiel arrived at the scene with the rescue boat "Wolfgang Paul Lorenz". The remaining sailor on the dinghy showed them the direction in which his fellow sailor had drifted off. In a swell of around one metre, it was initially difficult to recognise the casualty.
"Fortunately, the man was wearing a lifejacket whose bright colour enabled us to finally spot him between the crests of the waves," reports foreman Carsten Ihnken.
The sea rescuers pulled the sailor over the rescue gate on board the rescue boat and provided him with medical care. Thanks to his protective clothing, he had survived the time in the water well and did not require any further medical care later on land. The crew of the "Wolfgang Paul Lorenz" brought the rescued man safely to Horumersiel and also escorted the dinghy into the harbour.
At the time of the accident, a north-westerly wind of force 5 Beaufort prevailed in the sea area.
The North Sea presents a variety of challenges that should not be underestimated by inexperienced and experienced sailors alike. In addition to the rapidly changing weather conditions, it is above all the strong tidal currents that need to be taken into account. The low water temperatures increase the risk of hypothermia in the event of a fall into the water. Sandbanks, wind farms, platforms, traffic separation schemes and heavy shipping traffic require a high level of attention when navigating. It is therefore crucial to be well prepared and always carry suitable safety equipment, such as life jackets and communication equipment.
