Video

North Sea pilots in the storm (documentation, german with subtitles)


published on 20 February 2023 167 -

Found on YouTube. Created by "NDR Doku". Originally published on 2023-02-16.
Für Lotsen ist es der gefährlichste Moment in ihrem Berufsalltag: bei orkanartigen Böen von einem Frachtschiff eine Strickleiter herunterklettern und auf ein kleines Lotsenboot übersetzen. Mitte Januar 2023 ist ein Lotse bei Borkum ins Meer gefallen und kam mit Unterkühlungen ins Krankenhaus. Erst wenige Tage zuvor verstarb ein englischer Kollege bei diesem Manöver.

Hafenlotse Gerhard Janßen und Seelotse Dominik Thieben machen sich für ihren Einsatz bereit. Bei Windstärke acht geht es mit dem Versetzboot zum Autotransporter "Silver Soul". Sie müssen das Schiff sicher aus dem Hafen über die Ems bis auf die offene See bringen. Mit Gegenverkehr, schlechter Sicht und in einem engen Fahrwasser, das kaum Ausweichmanöver zulässt. Bei Borkum soll ein Lotsenboot die beiden abholen. Das Übersetzen im Sturm: lebensgefährlich.

Ob das Schiff dann noch fährt, hängt von der Wellenentwicklung ab. Sonst muss der Helikopter die Lotsen abholen. Maximal elf Windstärken hält er stand. Das entspricht mit über 100 Kilometern pro Stunde einem orkanartigen Sturm. An einem Seil werden die Lotsen in den Hubschrauber gezogen. Bei jedem Versetzmanöver müssen die Lotsen und die Crew auf den Versatzschiffen und im Helikopter entscheiden: Wie viel Wagnis sind sie bereit einzugehen?

"Die Nordreportage" begleitet Lotsen, die unter extremen Bedingungen weitreichende Entscheidungen treffen müssen: Für die Schiffe, deren Besatzungen und die Ladung, die sie durch den Sturm navigieren müssen, und auch für ihre eigene Sicherheit.

Mehr dazu:
https://www.ndr.de/fernsehen/sendungen/die_nordreportage/Nordseelotsen-im-Sturm,sendung1235870.html

Weitere Dokus findet ihr in der ARD Mediathek:
https://www.ardmediathek.de/dokus

Erstausstrahlung: 16.02.2023

#ndr #doku #nordsee
What's your opinion on this?
Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Read more...

Opinion Heroes or Hostages?

by Ivana-Maria Carrioni-Burnett - published on 1 October 2020

“Definitions": ‘Hero’: person who is admired for their courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities OR person greatly admired for their exceptional qualities or achievements

‘Hostage’: person seized or held for the fulfilment of a condition OR person who is illegally held prisoner until certain demands are met by others

0

Article A contempt for pilot safety and total disregard for the contents of the SOLAS Convention.

by Captain Kevin Vallance MNI - published on 4 October 2019

Tuesday, October 1st is the start date of the latest International Maritime Pilot Association's annual Safety Campaign.

Previous campaigns by the association have consistently shown results of pilot ladder deficiencies around the 20% mark.

0

Article Command or Control?

by Capt. Gürhan Aktürk - published on 27 October 2019

“Piloting the vessels was there since there was a sea transportation” This is one of the most popular and might be most proud phrase for pilots. During the maritime history, piloting the vessels evolved in many aspects, however main core is never changed; trustworthy colleague from neighbourhood will be close by for safe passage.

0

Video Welcome to Lyttelton Port Company

published on 27 August 2025

Lyttelton is the largest port in the South Island of New Zealand. We are the gateway for the goods that keep our region moving. From the Container Terminal to the Dry Dock, and inland to CityDepot and MidlandPort, LPC offers a wide range of facilities and services Our Vision is to be New Zealand’s most sustainable and innovative maritime gateway, enriching our communities and driving economic prosperity. Our Purpose is to facilitate growth of trade for Christchurch, Canterbury and the wider...

0

Article Master and Shipping Company Convicted Over Pilot Ladder Failure

published on 4 April 2024

For the second time in less than twelve months, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority has announced the successful legal action against a ship's master and the shipping company due to a defective ladder, leading to a pilot's injury during transfer

1

Video Battling the North Sea: Pilot Transfers in choppy seas

published on 13 November 2025

Join us out in the North Sea as we take on another challenging day aboard the pilot boat, transferring pilots to and from massive ships in choppy seas. 🌊 Watch as we battle the swell and spray, timing every approach perfectly to safely board and disembark pilots onto moving vessels in tough conditions. From cargo ships to car carriers, this video gives you a front-row seat to life at sea — where precision, teamwork, and nerves of steel are essential. 📍 Filmed off the North East Coast of...

0

Video Pilot 15 WP

published on 27 February 2020

Award winning 15m wavepiercing pilot boat

0

Article Norwegia operator to get new Pilot Boat in 2023

published on 12 January 2023

Norwegian shipping company Bukser og Berging has placed an order for a new pilot launch to be built by Kewatec Aluboat of Finland.

0