They are this year’s sea rescue – after the dramatic effort

On Visingsö, a group of heroes are now being celebrated who deserve all the attention.
They have been named “Sea rescue of the year” by the Swedish Sea Rescue Society, an organization with thousands of volunteers who are ready around the clock to save lives at sea.
– When we arrived, they sat up on the hull. The boat had to go around, and they sat at the bottom of the boat, says Johan Wetterlind in after five.

Bears, Christian, Erik, Ingmar, Johan and Lisa are celebrated for saving two cancer fishermen who capsized. The sea rescuers received an alarm about a capsized boat and quickly went out with two units to locate the distressed. When they arrived, they found two people sitting on the upside -down boat and balanced so as not to get into the water. Thanks to the rapid efforts of the sea rescuers, they could be taken ashore and on to hospitals.

A fight against the clock

– Had we not been there, they would not have come home to their loved ones again. That is the difference, says one of the sea rescuers.

The weather was tough and time was a decisive factor. Getting them out of the water quickly and in security was a vital effort. Another serious aspect was that the distressed lacked life jackets, which further deteriorated their chance to cope.

Voluntary forces that save lives

For the sea rescuers, the award is a great honor and confirmation of the important work they do.

– It lifts the entire station. We are a voluntary organization, and it is fantastic to get appreciation for what we do, says one of the acclaimed rescuers, Ingemar Zander.

The hope is that attention will inspire more people to get involved in the sea rescue. The organization is entirely dependent on voluntary forces and donations in order to continue its vital operations.