Federal Head of State Pays a Visit to Mariners at DGzRS Station in Bremerhaven
In the heart of Germany, the German Maritime Search and Rescue Society (DGzRS) continues to stand as a beacon of hope and safety along the country's coasts. Founded approximately 160 years ago, this historic and independent organisation is dedicated to search and rescue (SAR) at sea.
The DGzRS operates a fleet of dedicated rescue cruisers, such as the HERMANN RUDOLF MEYER, which secures extensive merchant shipping in heavily trafficked areas like the outer Weser and the German Bight. This vessel, along with others, is used to assist people in distress along the German coasts, including sailors, fishermen, passengers on ferries or cruise ships, and water sports enthusiasts of all kinds.
The DGzRS's operations involve classical rescue work, responding to emergencies like shipwrecks, medical emergencies, and other life-threatening situations at sea. The society's independence, primarily funded by donations rather than government subsidies, allows it to focus purely on SAR missions, setting it apart from other auxiliary or government agencies.
Recently, Federal President Steinmeier paid a visit to the DGzRS's Bremerhaven station. This historic station, established in 1863, is staffed by nine full-time employees and six volunteers. During his visit, Steinmeier took a tour of the HERMANN RUDOLF MEYER and even embarked on a trip with the vessel's daughter boat, CHRISTIAN.
Steinmeier expressed his respect for the DGzRS's 160-year achievement and the challenges faced by the lifeboatmen, including missions in stormy weather and at all times of the year. The Bremerhaven station's area of operation includes water ingress, fires on board, injuries, illnesses, and technical damage that can lead to a distress situation.
Timo Wieck, the foreman at the Bremerhaven station, and Ingo Kramer, the chairman of the DGzRS, were also present during Steinmeier's visit. The HERMANN RUDOLF MEYER, operated by the Bremerhaven station, is one of the most modern maritime rescue services in the world.
The German Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Bremen, operated by the DGzRS, centrally coordinates all search and rescue measures. Around 180 full-time and over 800 volunteer lifeboatmen carry out approximately 2,000 missions per year on the North and Baltic Seas.
Steinmeier's visit to the Bremerhaven station on August 13, 2025, was his first to a DGzRS station on the North Sea. As the patron of the DGzRS since spring 2017, Steinmeier's visit underscores the importance of the organisation's work and its long tradition in maritime safety. The DGzRS contrasts with other organisations like SeaHelp, which provide technical assistance and breakdown services on water but deliberately do not engage in classical rescue missions, emphasizing clear distinct roles in maritime assistance and rescue.
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