Evening SAR operation in the Baltic. Two kitesurfers stranded offshore

An evening search and rescue operation was launched in the Baltic Sea after two kitesurfers were unable to make their way back to shore near Kołobrzeg. The incident triggered a coordinated response involving harbour authorities and Poland’s maritime SAR service.

security west pomerania ports maritime rescue news

21 february 2026   |   21:23   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

fot. MSPiR SAR

At 17:46 local time, CPR Szczecin relayed information to the Morskie Ratownicze Centrum Koordynacyjne (MRCC) regarding two kitesurfers who had lost the ability to safely return to land due to strengthening winds and fading daylight.

A rescue vessel, Szkwał, together with a coastal rescue unit from BSR Kołobrzeg, was dispatched to the scene. The local harbour master’s office played a key role in identifying the developing risk and alerting emergency services.

Coordinated response in reduced visibility

The incident occurred near the port approaches to Kołobrzeg, an area frequently used for recreational water sports. As daylight diminished and wind conditions shifted, the margin for a safe return narrowed significantly.

This deployment marked the 49th operation of the current season carried out by MSPiR SAR. According to its director, Sebastian Kluska, a growing proportion of missions involve leisure users rather than commercial maritime traffic.

Recreational activity and seasonal exposure

The Baltic Sea during transitional and winter months presents a distinct risk profile: short daylight windows, low water temperatures and rapidly changing wind patterns. In such conditions, exposure time becomes critical, and physical fatigue can quickly escalate into a life-threatening situation.

Both individuals were safely brought ashore and assessed by medical personnel. No serious injuries were reported, though the risk of hypothermia was evident.

Rising SAR workload linked to leisure use

From an industry perspective, the case reflects a broader operational trend. Recreational maritime activity — including kitesurfing and small craft operations — is accounting for an increasing share of SAR deployments.

The incident once again underlines the importance of weather monitoring, daylight planning and reliable communication equipment when operating in Baltic waters outside peak summer months.

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akcja SAR Bałtyk kitesurferzy Kołobrzeg bezpieczeństwo nad morzem ratownictwo morskie morska służba poszukiwania i ratownictwa

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