Danish Sea Rescue Society sees surge in calls for assistance as sailing popularity grows

If you find yourself stranded or with engine failure while sailing in Danish waters, a volunteer like Maiken Kvist is likely to be the one assisting you back to safety. Kvist serves as the deputy leader of the Danish Sea Rescue Society in Juelsminde. Multiple times a week, she and other volunteers are on call to help sailors in distress, often new sailors who may not be fully versed in maritime safety.

The Juelsminde branch has seen an increase in activity since its establishment in 2018, responding to 22 incidents in its first year and 109 last year—an unprecedented demand. “We’re used to being busy in the summer, but the past few years have been exceptionally hectic,” Kvist noted. On busy days, they can receive 4-5 calls for assistance, prompting volunteers to work for many hours.

Nationally, the Danish Sea Rescue Society has also witnessed rising call numbers, from 620 in 2018 to 957 last year. The society’s chairman, Steen Wintlev-Jensen, attributes this growth to the opening of more stations and an increase in the number of sailors familiar with their services. Additionally, more people are engaging in water activities, resulting in inexperienced individuals who often need help.

Many new sailors seem unaware of basic sailing safety protocols. The most common reasons for calls to the rescue service often stem from engine problems or grounding incidents, which can affect both novice and seasoned sailors alike. Recent improvements include a new rescue boat, ‘Rescue Loke,’ which allows for quicker assistance.

While the increase in sailing incidents is concerning, the number of fatalities has remained stable, with only six deaths recorded last year, the lowest in a decade. Safety organizations encourage adherence to sailing advice to help reduce emergency situations.