Missing sailor on the Gulf of Puck. Search operation for the skipper of yacht Chimaera

Since Thursday, September 25, a large-scale search and rescue operation on the Gulf of Puck has been underway. Maritime, land and air services are searching for a 37-year-old sailor, the skipper of yacht Chimaera. The vessel was found adrift, but with no one on board.

Kamil Kusier executive editor 28.09.2025, 16:20 Reading time: 2 min

Motorboat moves across a calm bay past yachts moored at a quay — fot. MSPiR SAR

In brief

A search operation for the 37-year-old helmsman of the yacht Chimaera has been under way since Thursday 25 September in the area of Rybitwia Mielizna on the Bay of Puck. Sebastian Kluska, director of the Maritime Search and Rescue Service, informed that the last contact with the helmsman took place on Thursday. The operation involves the SAR rescue vessels Sztorm and Wiatr, the Władysławowo and Świbno coastal rescue stations, the Police, the Maritime Border Guard Unit, a rescue helicopter and an ROV underwater robot. Sebastian Kluska stressed that the search is being conducted on the surface of the water and beneath it.

Last contact with the skipper on Thursday

According to Sebastian Kluska, Director of the Polish Maritime Search and Rescue Service (SAR), the last contact with the missing sailor was on Thursday. Since then, the man had not responded to any attempts to establish communication.

– Every minute counts in a situation like this. We launched the operation immediately after receiving the information about the disappearance – said Sebastian Kluska.

SAR vessels, coast guard and helicopter in action

The first stage of the operation began on Friday evening in the area of the Rybitwia Shoal, a difficult and shallow stretch of the Gulf of Puck. SAR rescue vessels Sztorm and Wiatr, the Władysławowo Rescue Station, the Police, the Maritime Border Guard Unit, and a rescue helicopter were all deployed.

The search continued through the night and into the following days. Additional support came from the Świbno Rescue Station, the Władysławowo Rescue Station, the Police, and the Volunteer Fire Brigade in Karwia.

– The search is being conducted both on the water’s surface and below. We have deployed an ROV underwater robot, which allows us to examine areas that are otherwise difficult to access – added Sebastian Kluska.

Challenging conditions on the Rybitwia Shoal

The Rybitwia Shoal is a particularly demanding area. Shallow waters, strong currents and rapidly changing hydrology make operations challenging and time-consuming.

Despite these obstacles, the search continues non-stop.

– Every hour matters. We are determined to find this man – emphasized the SAR Director.

One of the largest rescue operations on the Polish coast in recent weeks

The search for the skipper of yacht Chimaera is one of the largest rescue operations on the Polish Baltic coast in recent weeks. The combined efforts of SAR units, the Border Guard, Police and local fire brigades, along with the use of advanced technology such as ROV underwater systems, highlight the importance of coordination and preparedness.

This incident also serves as a reminder for the sailing community: safety at sea requires careful planning, reliable equipment and fully functional communication systems.

Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier