Another BLMW search and rescue action topped with success

In 2024, the Gdynia Naval Aviation Brigade (BLMW) already carried out eight search and rescue actions. The most recent intervention concerned a crew member of the research vessel r/v Balticand, which thanks to the effective operation of the W-3WARM helicopter, was safely transported to the hospital.

On May 7, 2024, the crew of the Gdynia Naval Aviation Brigade (BLMW) demonstrated its fitness and readiness to act in crisis situations again. This time, the intervention concerned one of the crew members of the research vessel r/v Baltica, operating in the Baltic Sea. The co-owners of the unit are the Maritime Fisheries Institute – the State Research Institute (MIR-PIB) and the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management – the Marine Branch in Gdynia, and the ship's owner is MIR-PIB.

The search and rescue operation, which was carried out using the W-3WARM helicopter from the 43rd Naval Aviation Base, was successful, which confirms the role of the Brigade as a key element of the Baltic Sea safety system.

The helicopter, which participated in search and rescue action, took off from the Gdynia base at 6:14 p.m. upon receiving a distress signal – medical assistance. Rapid and decisive crew action allowed to reach the research unit r/v Baltica It's 6:45. After taking the victim aboard, he was transported safely to a hospital in Wejherów. Upon completion of the task, the crew returned to the mother airfield and re-created the battle readiness at 8:45 p.m. This information was given to our editorial board by Captain Marcin Kołodziejski.

Marine rescue is not only search action, but also logistics, coordination and rapid response. The coordination of this operation was carried out by the Centre for Marine Operations-Mortal Component Command, which demonstrates a well-organized chain of command and operational in the Navy.

In this year, Gdynia BLMW has already conducted an eighth intervention in its search and rescue activities. It was 786. an operation carried out by that body during which 422 persons were supported. This brigade is the only aviation formation in Poland that maintains the readiness to carry out rescue operations over Polish sea basins.

Within the Polish responsibilities zone defined by the "Convention on the Search and Rescue of the Sea" and the "Convention on International Civil Aviation", the Gdynia Naval Aviation Brigade conducts a 24-hour SAR/ASAR duty. The tasks include the operation of W-3WARM helicopters stationed at the 43rd Naval Aviation Base in Gdynia-Baby Dołach and at the 44th Naval Aviation Base in Darłów. They are assisted by the crew of the M28B 1R Bryza patrol aircraft, which are also on 24-hour duty at the airport in Siemirowice near Lęborka.

Such actions not only highlight the importance of the Naval Aviation Brigade in the national security system, but also demonstrate its unwavering readiness to provide assistance at sea under all conditions.

Written by Mariusz Dasiewicz/BLMW