New addition to the DGzRS

The latest rescue cruiser of the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service (DGzRS) arrived at its station in Grömitz today, Sunday 31 January, after just over a year of construction and testing. The 28 metre long special ship will initially operate under the internal designation SK 41. On the final nautical miles of the transfer voyage from the Fassmer shipyard in Berne, "the new one" was accompanied by the rescue cruiser "Hans Hackmack", which was previously stationed in Grömitz. The new rescue unit, which displaces 120 tonnes, is now the operational tool of the crew led by foreman Markus Davids.
SK 41 had completed extensive tests and sea trials in advance. Among other things, the new rescue cruiser had to demonstrate its pulling power and reliability when towing the 46-metre-long "Hermann Marwede" and perform tough course manoeuvres at full speed.
The 27.9 metre long and 6.2 metre wide rescue cruiser was mainly financed by a generous inheritance in favour of the DGzRS. It remains to be seen when SK 41 and its daughter boat TB 45 will be given their final names at a christening ceremony. The now fifth unit of the 28-metre class will replace the "Hans Hackmack" at the Grömitz station as part of the ongoing modernisation of the rescue fleet. This sea rescue cruiser, which was commissioned in 1996, will in future be deployed without a fixed station wherever other rescue units need to be deployed, for example during regular general overhauls.

Text: mb; Photo: Die Seenotretter DGzRS/Peter Neumann, YPS Collection