Heroism in the Harbour Basin: Full-Scale Rescue Exercise during The Tall Ships Races in Esbjerg

Amidst the beautiful tall ships and the historic surroundings of Trafikhavnskajen, some of Denmark’s most skilled emergency and maritime professionals will demonstrate how a rescue operation at sea is carried out. The exercise will use expertise and equipment normally deployed in professional rescue operations and training scenarios worldwide.

"We are proud that two local companies are using The Tall Ships Races as a platform to showcase what they excel at. It’s a strong collaboration between emergency services and the business community, and it’s a rare opportunity for the public to experience a rescue operation up close," says Event Manager Kirsten Bisgaard Kirchner.

Rescue by helicopter

The exercise is conducted in close collaboration between VIKING Life-Saving Equipment and RelyOn, with support from the Coastal Rescue Service and the Danish Naval Home Guard.

"We look forward to participating in the rescue exercise during The Tall Ships Races and contributing with both specialized rescue equipment and instructors with extensive experience in safety training in high-risk environments. The exercise is a valuable opportunity to test procedures and cross-organizational cooperation – and to show the public how important knowledge, preparation, and realistic training truly are," says Jan Dietz from RelyOn.

The exercise will kick off with a loud foghorn, followed by the deployment of liferafts and participants in immersion suits jumping into the basin to be rescued. One of the highlights will be the world’s first motorized liferaft – LifeCraft – with room for 203 people, sailing around the basin. Visitors can also see the setup of various liferafts and rescue equipment, and if conditions allow, a spectacular helicopter rescue will take place.

"At VIKING, we work every day to develop equipment and solutions that save lives at sea – and that’s exactly what you’ll see in action during the rescue exercise in Esbjerg. It’s a unique opportunity to demonstrate how knowledge, preparation, and teamwork make a real difference when it truly matters," says Malte V. Eggers from VIKING.

This year, VIKING Life-Saving Equipment is participating as the main sponsor of The Tall Ships Races and will be present on the quay with its own area throughout the maritime festival.