Sea rescuers save amber seekers from North Sea flood
On Saturday evening, sea rescuers saved three young amber seekers from the North Sea flood, saving their lives. The brothers, aged between 16 and 19, had walked around four kilometers along the breakwater off Cuxhaven in search of amber, according to the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service (DGzRS). However, the tide had risen much higher than usual due to the stormy conditions of the past few days and was already up to the young men's waists just one hour after low tide.
The amber seekers called the emergency services, whereupon the rescue cruiser "Anneliese Kramer" set sail shortly after 7 p.m., as the DGzRS also reported. The casualties then alerted the crew to their position with light signals and the rescuers also used a thermal imaging camera.
After just under three quarters of an hour, the three brothers were rescued from their predicament by the flatter daughter boat "Mathias" - by then the water was already up to their stomachs, according to a spokesperson. They had held and warmed each other until they were rescued; and they had been equipped quite professionally, with thermal wetsuits and powerful LED lamps. The hypothermic young men were taken to hospital by ambulance as a precaution.
Despite the thrill of their leisure time activity seeking amber, the brothers encountered an emergency situation when the tide rose unexpectedly during their excursion in the North Sea. Given the high shipping traffic in the area, swift action was necessary to ensure their safety during the rescue operation.
Source: www.dpa.com
