Hand in hand across the North and Baltic Seas

The Central Command for Maritime Emergencies and the German Navy work closely together. The aim is to save people and protect the maritime environment.

When the freighter VERITY sank in the German Bight on 24 October 2023, the largest rescue operation that the North Sea has seen in recent years began. The VERITY collided with the much larger POLESIE at around five in the morning. Seven seamen were on board.

In an operation of this magnitude in German waters, the Central Command for Maritime Emergencies assumes overall command of the operation. In the meantime, more than 20 ships, six helicopters and two aircraft were deployed, coordinated by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Bremen and the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) in Glücksburg in cooperation with the Central Command for Maritime Emergencies.

Two seamen were rescued.