Major Emergency Drill on Mein Schiff 7: Maritime Rescue in Warnemünde

The simulation was deliberately scheduled during the "Warnemünder Port Party" to train under the most realistic conditions possible. The Mein Schiff 7 is currently docked in port before continuing its voyage this evening.

The drill is complex: Special rescue teams from the fire departments of Rostock, Lübeck, and Hamburg are not brought directly onto the ship. Instead, they are flown by a Federal Police helicopter to smaller vessels, from where the transfer to the cruise ship takes place. This procedure tests the cooperation of the various emergency forces in a situation where a direct landing on the ship is not possible.

The drill is a sign of the close cooperation between state and private entities, who regularly rehearse their interplay during maritime emergencies. In addition to the Havariekommando and TUI Cruises, the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service (DGzRS) with the sea rescue cruiser ARKONA, the Federal Police, the deep-sea tug FAIRPLAY 35, and the firefighting boat ALBERT WEGENER are also involved.

This comprehensive drill, which also includes real passengers, is part of an ongoing series of maneuvers to continuously improve safety standards at sea.