A new remote-controlled rescue buoy costing around 70,000 kroner has brought excitement and relief to volunteers at Kerteminde Harbor, where it promises to make water rescues faster and safer.
New Technology at Sea
A brand-new remote-controlled rescue buoy has arrived at Kerteminde Harbor on Denmark’s island of Funen. The buoy is now in the hands of the Danish Sea Rescue Society, a volunteer organization dedicated to helping recreational sailors in distress.
The device is designed to deliver lines to stranded vessels stuck in shallow water when rescue boats cannot reach them. This will improve the team’s ability to tow boats back into deeper waters safely and effectively.
To demonstrate the buoy’s capabilities, a TV reporter from TV 2 Fyn volunteered to jump into the harbor. Wearing a dry suit, life vest, and a helmet camera, the reporter was easily pulled back to shore by the buoy’s towing system. While that test was not the buoy’s main purpose, it proved the unit’s strength and accuracy in maneuvering through the water.
Volunteers Protecting Denmark’s Waterways
The Danish Sea Rescue Society operates entirely on voluntary labor. Its members are ordinary citizens driven by a shared goal: ensuring that no one enjoying Denmark’s waters for recreation ever drowns.
The group runs 14 rescue stations across the country, many in towns known for their maritime heritage such as Frederikshavn. Each station consists of trained volunteers who drop everything when an emergency call comes in.
Because of that strong community spirit, safety remains the top priority. Volunteers note that when they head out to sea in teams, everyone must make it home safely again. For the crews, the new buoy is not just a tool but a symbol of that commitment.
Funding and Determination
The new system was not cheap. The purchase price was close to 76,800 kroner, an expense the volunteer society could not simply absorb. The local team in Kerteminde had to raise funds from grants and private donations to make it happen.
After months of effort, they managed to collect 70,000 kroner, still short of their goal. In a final attempt, station leader Bjarne Neuhaus Christensen reached out to the supplier to explain the situation. Eventually, the supplier offered a discount, allowing the team to complete the purchase.
For Christensen and his crew, getting the buoy felt like winning a small but meaningful victory. It marks a step forward in their mission to provide quick, safe assistance to stranded vessels and individuals in local waters.
Safer Harbors Across Denmark
Rescue technology innovations like this one show how local initiatives can strengthen maritime safety even in a country already known for its efficient coastal rescue network. The equipment will make it easier to reach trapped boats near rocky shores or sandbanks without exposing rescuers to unnecessary danger.
Meanwhile, the Sea Rescue Society continues expanding its cooperation with other groups and local marinas to promote boating safety. Ensuring proper training, equipment, and awareness remains essential, especially as recreational boating grows in popularity along Denmark’s coasts and islands.
As a result, the introduction of this rescue buoy gives hope to volunteers and boaters alike. It shows how dedication and creative problem-solving can improve safety without relying solely on government funding. For small stations like the one in Kerteminde, such achievements reinforce Denmark’s long-standing tradition of responsibility and care on the water.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Frederikshavn – Maritime Heritage Meets Coastal Beauty
The Danish Dream: Best Boat Insurance in Denmark for Foreigners
TV2: Ny redningskrans har kostet 70.000 kroner og vækker glæde i havn
