High-Alert Saturday on Szczecin’s Waters - Coordinated SAR Operations, False Alarm, and Police Cooperation

Szczecin’s inland waterways saw heightened activity this past Saturday, as the Szczecin branch of the Volunteer Water Rescue Service (SzWOPR) responded to multiple incidents. The day included a full-scale rescue following a distress call, a false flare alert, and joint action with the local police.

Kamil Kusier executive editor 05.07.2025, 21:28 Reading time: 2 min

WOPR rescue boat with light bar tows a motorboat carrying two people on the water — fot. Szczecińskie WOPR

In brief

The Szczecin Volunteer Water Rescue Service intervened several times on 5 July, including after a MAYDAY call received at 12:45 on VHF channel 16 concerning a capsized vessel and three people in the water on Lake Dąbie. Boat R-205 and jet ski R-226 helped right the vessel and tow it to the slipway in Lubczyna with no casualties. At 17:31 a report of a flare near Wyspa Zielona proved unfounded, and the people from the boat were charged the costs of the operation.

Distress Call (MAYDAY) on Lake Dąbie

At 12:45 p.m., a MAYDAY signal was received via VHF Channel 16, reporting a capsized vessel and three people in the water on Lake Dąbie. Rescue units R-205 and R-226 were immediately dispatched to the scene.

One individual was successfully recovered by a nearby private vessel, while the remaining two—uninjured and attempting to right the boat—were later assisted in stabilizing and recovering the craft. The vessel was subsequently towed safely to the launch ramp in Lubczyna. The coordinated effort concluded without injuries.

False Flare Alarm Near Green Island

Later that day, at 5:31 p.m., a report reached the SzWOPR harbor office regarding the launch of a red flare in the vicinity of Szczecin Main Station and Green Island. Rescue boat R-205 was deployed to investigate. Upon arrival, responders found no emergency. The individuals aboard the vessel were unharmed, and the flare was deemed unjustified. The parties involved were held financially responsible for the intervention, in accordance with maritime regulations.

Joint Operation with Police: Theft Suspects Escape by Boat

At 3:45 p.m., local police requested SzWOPR’s assistance in locating two individuals suspected of stealing a backpack. The suspects had reportedly fled aboard a white boat heading toward the Chrobry Embankment. Rescue units R-205 and R-221 joined the search, though the operation did not result in locating the perpetrators. The Waterborne Police Division continued further investigative proceedings.

The July 5th operations underscore the operational readiness of maritime rescue teams and highlight the importance of interagency coordination. Szczecin’s SzWOPR once again demonstrated rapid deployment, effective collaboration, and professionalism in responding to varied scenarios across the city’s waterways.

Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier