Maritime Rescue in Action: Yacht Zilver Safely Towed to Port in Górki Zachodnie, Gdańsk
A damaged sailing yacht drifting towards shore was safely secured and towed to port thanks to a swift and coordinated response by the Polish Maritime Search and Rescue Service (SAR).
In brief
The sailing yacht Zilver, which began drifting towards the shore in the Gulf of Gdańsk area after an engine failure, was towed to the port in Górki Zachodnie. The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre dispatched the rescue vessel Wiatr and the crew of the Maritime Rescue Station in Górki Zachodnie, which passed a tow line after checking the health of the yacht's crew. Sebastian Kluska, director of the Maritime Search and Rescue Service SAR, stressed that this was already the 136th SAR rescue intervention in 2025.
At approximately 15:20 local time on Friday, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Gdynia received a distress call from the sailing yacht Zilver, which had suffered engine failure and was drifting uncontrollably toward the coast near Gdańsk.
- In coastal waters, engine failure can escalate quickly into a critical situation. Every minute counts, said Sebastian Kluska, Director of MSPiR SAR (Maritime Search and Rescue Service of Poland).
Responding to the emergency, the MRCC dispatched the rescue vessel Wiatr and an experienced team from the Maritime Rescue Station in Górki Zachodnie. Upon arrival, SAR crews established a towline and conducted an onboard medical assessment of the yacht’s crew.
- The safety and well-being of those at sea is always our top priority. Once the crew was confirmed to be in good condition, we proceeded with the towing operation, Kluska added.
The Zilver was safely towed to Górki Zachodnie port in Gdańsk, with the operation marking SAR’s 136th rescue mission of 2025.
- With the summer season in full swing, we’re seeing a notable increase in maritime incidents. Our crews and assets remain on full operational alert, ready to respond 24/7, noted Director Kluska.
SAR Emphasizes Maritime Safety Ahead of Peak Boating Season
MSPiR SAR urges all recreational sailors and boaters to ensure thorough pre-departure checks, particularly of propulsion systems and onboard communications equipment. Proper maintenance and preparation are key to preventing emergencies at sea.
Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier
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