How the German Maritime Search and Rescue Association reported that the sailing yacht had run aground outside the fairway when approaching the sea inlet (area between the islands) and got caught in the surf zone of the sandbanks:
Swells of up to one and a half metres
With a swell of up to one and a half metres, the yacht was repeatedly thrown hard onto the sandbank. The woman alerted the sea rescuers via VHF emergency and call channel 16.
Together with the daughter boat and the rescue cruiser, the crew of the "Bernhard Gruben" managed to pull the yacht into deeper water and tow it to Norderney. The boat, which is around twelve metres long, will first be inspected there for damage.
The sea channel between the East Frisian islands of Juist and Norderney is considered challenging even by experienced sailors. Precise navigation is required, as the fairways lead past dangerous sandbanks. Stranding in this area is extremely dangerous for the ship and crew.
Due to natural dynamic processes, the fairways can constantly shift, which is why it is essential to obtain up-to-date information on the situation before approaching the Seegatt.
Free help in the YACHT
Travelling in the sea is often fraught with underestimated risks, which anyone travelling in this sea area should be aware of. YACHT already dealt with this topic in detail a few years ago.
Lasse Johannsen
Deputy Editor in Chief YACHT
