SAR crew rescues exhausted white-tailed eagle after double emergency call

Two incidents reported within minutes

Shortly after 4 p.m., the duty officer at the Dziwnów rescue station received an order to launch a response off the beach at Dziwnówek following reports that a man and his dog were being carried offshore by a strong current.

At nearly the same time, SAR personnel also received information about a white-tailed eagle struggling in nearby waters.

- Whenever there is a report involving a person in danger at sea, our priority is clear - human life comes first. The crew was dispatched immediately to assess the situation and provide assistance if necessary, said Sebastian Kluska, Director of the Maritime Search and Rescue Service.

Resources redirected after situation verified

Upon arrival, rescuers determined that the initial report no longer required intervention. The man and his dog had managed to leave the water safely on their own before rescue assets reached the scene.

- Every report of a person in the water must be treated as a potentially life-threatening incident. Even if circumstances change before we arrive, rapid verification is an essential part of maritime rescue operations, Kluska said.

Following confirmation that no assistance was needed, the crew redirected its efforts to the second incident.

White-tailed eagle brought to safety

Rescuers located the exhausted bird in waters near Kukułowo and Sibin. After securing the eagle, the crew transported it to Wolin, where it was handed over to wildlife specialists for further care and rehabilitation.

- While our primary mission is the protection of human life at sea, SAR crews occasionally encounter situations involving wildlife in distress. In this case, the bird was clearly exhausted and unable to reach safety without assistance. Thanks to the crew’s swift response, it was safely transferred into professional care, Kluska said.

A reminder of SAR’s operational flexibility

The incident highlights the wide range of situations maritime rescue crews may face during routine duty. Although SAR operations are primarily associated with search and rescue missions involving people, personnel are regularly called upon to respond to unusual incidents requiring rapid assessment and coordinated action.

Thursday’s operation ended with the successful rescue of one of Europe’s largest birds of prey, underscoring the readiness and adaptability of SAR crews operating along the Polish coast.