SAR operation near Mewia Łacha nature reserve. Lost man rescued from ice-covered beach

Polish maritime search and rescue services carried out an operation near the Mewia Łacha nature reserve, following a distress call from a lost man reported in severe winter conditions. The alert was received by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Gdynia, which tasked the Świbno maritime rescue station (BSR Świbno) to respond.

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09 february 2026   |   10:57   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

fot. BSR Świbno

Shore-based SAR response in winter conditions

A Land Rover Defender rescue vehicle, designed for coastal and off-road operations, was dispatched to the scene. SAR personnel located the casualty on an ice-covered section of the beach. The man was hypothermic and soaked, having spent an extended period in cold seawater prior to being found.

After immediate lifesaving and thermal protection measures were applied, the casualty was evacuated to the SAR station in Świbno, where a medical rescue team (EMS) was standing by. He was subsequently transported to hospital for further treatment.

SAR director warns against entering frozen sea areas

Commenting on the incident, Sebastian Kluska, director of the Polish maritime SAR service, emphasized the dangers of entering frozen or partially frozen marine areas.

- Walking onto frozen sea areas is never a good idea. While rivers may sometimes appear relatively safe, open sea conditions are entirely different, said Sebastian Kluska. - Sea currents, salinity, wind and wave action make ice on the Gulf of Gdańsk highly unstable. It cannot be treated as a solid or predictable surface. This operation near Mewia Łacha clearly illustrates the risks involved.

He also stressed that winter SAR operations significantly increase exposure and risk for rescue personnel, underlining the importance of public awareness and prevention.

Increased winter risk along the Baltic coast

The Polish SAR service reports that winter conditions regularly lead to a rise in coastal incidents, particularly in environmentally protected and tourist-frequented areas such as the Vistula river mouth, Mewia Łacha and the eastern outskirts of Gdańsk. Authorities continue to urge the public to avoid ice-covered shorelines and frozen sea surfaces, especially after dark or during rapidly changing weather conditions.

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