Polish Naval Aviators Rescue Kitesurfer off Hel Peninsula - 815th SAR Mission Completed
On Thursday, June 19, 2025, aircrews from the 43rd Naval Aviation Base in Gdynia once again demonstrated their efficiency and readiness during a search and rescue operation off the coast of the Hel Peninsula. The mission involved locating a missing kitesurfer in challenging conditions over the Baltic Sea.
In brief
The crew of a W-3WARM Anakonda helicopter from the 43rd Naval Air Base rescued a kitesurfer near Hel on Thursday, 19 June 2025. The casualty was located after about six minutes of searching and was picked up by the crew of the R3 boat with support from the Polish Border Guard patrol vessel SG-111, reported Lieutenant Commander Marcin Kołodziejski. The operation was the 815th search and rescue mission of the Naval Aviation Brigade and the ninth in 2025. A total of 437 people owe their lives and health to interventions by naval aviators so far.
The search began promptly, with a W-3WARM “Anakonda” helicopter deployed as part of the Maritime Search and Rescue duty shift.
- After approximately six minutes of aerial search, the helicopter crew located the individual and relayed the position to units operating in the vicinity, said Commander Lieutenant Marcin Kołodziejski, Navy spokesperson.
The kitesurfer was safely recovered by the crew of the R3 rescue boat. Maritime patrol vessel SG-111 from the Polish Border Guard also supported the operation, ensuring coordinated action on scene. Following the mission, the helicopter crew returned to their home base and promptly restored operational readiness.
- This marks the 815th search and rescue mission carried out by the crews of the Gdynia-based Naval Aviation Brigade, and the ninth this year, Commander Lt. Kołodziejski added.
With this successful rescue, the total number of lives assisted by Polish naval aviators has risen to 437. These figures underscore not only the frequency of maritime emergencies in the Baltic region but also the critical role of the Navy's air component in preserving life at sea.
The Polish Naval Aviation Brigade continues to stand as a reliable pillar in national and regional maritime SAR efforts, combining advanced technology, rapid response, and exceptional crew training.
Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier
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