We’re Sending Another Ship

Sea-Eye and United4Rescue are sending the SEA-EYE 4 to the Mediterranean

The new rescue ship SEA-EYE 4 left its shipyard in Rostock on Saturday morning, April 17, 2021, and set sail for the Mediterranean. The rescue ship had been overhauled and upgraded for six months by ca. 250 volunteers in preparation for its first mission. A few days ago the SEA-EYE 4 received the German flag and the German flag state administration gave the green light for the start of operations. The arrival of the SEA-EYE 4 in Spain is scheduled for the end of April, from there it will set out on its first rescue mission as quickly as possible.

“People have been dying in the Mediterranean Sea for many years. At least 406 deaths were recorded in 2021 already. The departure of the SEA-EYE 4 is an important signal from a broad civil society alliance to the EU member states. Letting people drown in the Mediterranean in order to reduce the number of asylum applications in Europe and to deter others from fleeing is inhuman. This irresponsible policy lacks support from civil society. United4Rescue with its 744 alliance partners, the Protestant and Catholic Church and thousands of donors have made this clear again today,” says Gorden Isler, Chairman of Sea-Eye e. V.

Financial tailwind from large parts of civil society

The purchase and upgrade of the rescue ship was largely made possible by United4Rescue, an alliance for civil sea rescue, and a substantial part of the mission costs are also covered by this alliance. The transfer of the SEA-EYE 4 into the Mediterranean is financed by donations from the Catholic (arch) dioceses of Munich and Freising, Paderborn and Trier.

“The SEA-EYE 4 is not just another rescue ship that saves people from drowning in the Mediterranean. It is also a symbol that we as United4Rescue, together with our many allies and supporters, will not let up in our commitment to humanity. We do not want to stand idly by and watch people dying in the Mediterranean Sea – that is why we are more than happy to be able to help send another ship – the SEA-EYE 4 – on rescue missions,” says Thies Gundlach, Chairman of United4Rescue.

“We would like to thank everyone who made it possible that another rescue ship can now set sail for the Mediterranean. Special thanks go to the many volunteer shipyard helpers, the many donors and our partners. It is only because everyone has worked together so well that we can now see a rescue ship in motion to further defend human rights against all odds,” said Isler.

Construction and equipment of the SEA-EYE 4

The construction type of the former offshore supply vessel is very well suited for sea rescue missions and offers a lot of space for the first aid of rescued people. The sickbay is up to par with modern standards and is also well prepared for coronavirus patients.

To carry out rescue missions, the SEA-EYE 4 has two cranes that can lower its two rescue boats safely and quickly into the water. In the event of a search and rescue case, these tenders will approach the people in need of rescue, distribute life jackets and evacuate the unseaworthy boats in distress.

The SEA-EYE 4 (built in 1972) is 53 m long, 11.5 m wide, has a top speed of 10.5 knots and will carry out its missions with up to 26 crew members.