[German] DGzRS' new type boat for beach launch and recovery

Translated video description:

The prototype of a new boat class of the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service (DGzRS) was named KNUT OLAF KOLBE on Friday, 1 December 2023 in Wustrow. The volunteer centre there, which has been in existence for more than 175 years, is the oldest in the DGzRS. It now has a completely new rescue boat specially developed for the area - including a new special trailer and tractor.

Around eight and a half metres long, a draught of 60 centimetres and a speed of 33 knots (approx. 61 km/h) - these are some of the striking technical specifications of the new boat. The new 8.4 metre class of the DGzRS was constructed by Arctic Airboats in Finland, in close development cooperation with the sea rescuers. The prototype was built by a specialised Finnish boatbuilding company.

The new, extremely seaworthy rescue boat has a high-strength aluminium hull - typical of DGzRS rescue units. The superstructure is made of extremely robust glass fibre reinforced plastic. A 425 hp jet drive accelerates the boat to a speed of 33 knots (approx. 61 km/h).

Like its predecessor, this rescue boat is stationed ashore on a special trailer - also newly constructed - in the DGzRS rescue shed built in 1905 in the centre of Wustrow. A powerful John Deere 6R 230 tractor, specially converted for maritime use, transports the boat either to the open Baltic Sea or to the extensive backwaters of the Bodden.