Unusual rescue operation in the Port of Gdańsk. Deer saved from port channel

At approximately 5:30 AM, near the historic Wisłoujście Fortress, the animal was spotted drifting helplessly in the current—disoriented and visibly exhausted. The port authority swiftly dispatched Piorun, which is on constant standby for both ecological hazards and life-saving operations.

Rather than attempting the high-risk task of bringing the wild animal aboard, the crew employed precise maneuvering to guide the deer toward the only nearby quay with a low edge—Obrońców Poczty Polskiej Quay. Thanks to the crew’s composure and experience, the animal was able to exit the water safely under its own strength.

The successful intervention underscores the preparedness and versatility of Piorun, a vessel based at the Grain Quay, which is equipped for a wide range of emergency and environmental protection duties in port waters. These include:

• detection and removal of floating navigational hazards,
• identification of environmental threats, including mechanical and physico-chemical risks,
• participation in marine firefighting support,
• response to hazardous environmental events such as oil spills,
• and readiness for life-saving operations involving both humans and animals.

While the event ended positively, it also serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of working in and around dynamic port environments—and the critical role of integrated emergency response capabilities in ensuring safety, not only for maritime operations, but for the surrounding natural habitat as well.