New podcast episode: The 2023 Baltic Sea storm surge – millions in damage, lessons learnt and the outlook
Leonie Meyer
· 23.10.2026
Sunken yachts, destroyed jetties, stunned owners: anyone walking through Schilksee harbour the morning after the storm surge was met with scenes that would previously have been considered unthinkable on the Baltic Sea. Yet the ‘flood of the century’ had been forecast days in advance. Nevertheless, hardly anyone had expected it to hit Kiel of all places so hard.
Storm surge in Kiel: A harbour master recalls
In the podcast, host Timm Kruse speaks to Philipp Mühlenhardt from Sporthafen Kiel. The managing director experienced the storm surge at the very forefront. He cut short his holiday and fought his way back to Kiel via a roundabout route. Once there, he encountered people trying to save their boats and witnessed moments when all those involved could do was wait and see. His accounts illustrate just how narrowly the catastrophe avoided becoming an even greater disaster.
Reconstruction following the Baltic Sea storm surge: caught between costs and red tape
After the storm, there was hardly any time left. Kiel Week was already being planned, funding had not yet been confirmed, and the bills were piling up. Philipp Mühlenhardt explains why so much was repaired rather than completely rebuilt. He openly admits what, with hindsight, might have been done better. It’s all about money, permits, bureaucracy and obstacles lurking beneath the water.
Port security on the Baltic Sea: How safe is my boat today?
For anyone who sails on the Baltic Sea, this is the crucial question. What happens if similar weather conditions are forecast again? And would the managing director leave his own boat moored in Schilksee? The answer turns out to be more personal than one might expect.
The two also discuss how to deal with criticism and false reports on social media, the great willingness to help shown by many of those involved, and the darker side that such an event brings to light.
You can listen to the YACHT sailing podcast with Philipp Mühlenhardt about the Baltic Sea storm surge here
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Leonie Meyer
Editor News & Panorama
