Difficult days for Polish maritime rescue services: series of critical incidents along the coast
The past few days have underscored just how unpredictable and dangerous the sea can be — even in the peak of the summer season. Rescue teams from the Polish Maritime Search and Rescue Service (MSPiR SAR), particularly from the Dziwnów Shore Rescue Base, have been operating under heightened alert due to a series of distress calls regarding people missing in the water.
In brief
The body of a 16-year-old who went missing in Dziwnówek was washed ashore by the sea near the lighthouse in Niechorze a few minutes past 20 hours. Rescuers of MSPiR SAR from the Coastal Rescue Station in Dziwnów received the first report of a person disappearing under the water on Monday evening, in a high sea state with strong currents. Another report of a missing person came in on Tuesday at 19:31 from Niechorze. The Maritime Search and Rescue Service appeals to the public to respect the bathing ban when red flags are flying.
The first major incident occurred on Monday evening on the beach in Dziwnówek, when a swimmer disappeared beneath the waves. Rescue operations were launched immediately, but the team faced extremely challenging conditions — high sea levels, strong currents, and powerful waves. The combination of environmental factors made the mission hazardous even for the most experienced professionals.
On Tuesday evening at 19:31, another distress call came in — this time from Niechorze. Reports indicated another person had gone missing in the water. The Dziwnów rescue unit was immediately dispatched to the scene.
- One wasn’t enough — we’re responding back-to-back now, reported the Director of MSPiR SAR Sebastian Kluska, highlighting the ongoing operational pressure faced by rescue services. Every call is a race against time — and against a force of nature that leaves no margin for error.
Tragically, the body of a young boy was found shortly after 8:00 p.m. near the lighthouse in Niechorze. It marked the heartbreaking conclusion of a search operation that had been ongoing since Monday evening. The victim was identified as a 16-year-old who went missing in the water off the coast of Dziwnówek.
Every day, multiple rescue and enforcement agencies — including the Police, WOPR (Water Volunteer Rescue Service), MSPiR, Fire Brigade, and Border Guard — respond to dozens of water-related emergency calls. While some turn out to be false alarms, others end in tragedy. The burden on rescue systems during the holiday season is immense. Ultimately, safety starts with each of us — our awareness, caution, and decisions.
The Polish Maritime Search and Rescue Service strongly urges beachgoers to strictly follow all safety protocols. Pay close attention to lifeguard instructions and flag signals — especially the red flag, which means swimming is strictly prohibited. Even when the weather appears favorable, sea conditions can change in an instant, posing serious — often fatal — risks.
Summer at the Baltic can be safe and enjoyable, but only with respect for the elements and personal responsibility.
Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier
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