Eight weeks with The Yellow Boats - 515 rescued

The Swedish Sea Rescue Society's two rescue boats have been operational and on-call on the Greek island of Samos for eight weeks. During this time, 515 people have been rescued. The initiative is funded by individuals and businesses that have so far donated over 4.7 million SEK to the Yellow Boats project fund.

Operations in the Aegean Sea started as a response to the humanitarian crisis in the region.

“For us, rescue has no boundaries, no one should have to die at sea. It was natural for us to help when we had the chance. It is fantastic to see that our effort has already saved many lives”, says Rolf Westerström, Swedish Sea Rescue Society´s CEO.

The Swedish Sea Rescue Society got the opportunity to launch the operation, thanks to the media company Schibsted fundraising campaign Yellow Boats (Gula Båtarna). Individuals and companies have so far donated 4.747 million SEK to the project. In addition The Swedish Postcode Lottery has made a major contribution to the effort.

The first big rescue operation came just a few days after arrival on Samos, when the two rescue boats rescued 46 people in challenging conditions.

The Swedish Sea Rescue Society's efforts on Samos is coordinated together with the Hellenic Coast Guard. There is also extensive collaboration with other aid agencies and organizations on scene such as UNHCR and in particular, Hellenic Rescue Team, Swedish Sea Rescue Society's Greek counterpart.

- We hope to be in place at least six months, but the duration of the action depends on the amount of fundraising. We will continue to collaborate closely with local organizations to exchange knowledge and experience for their future work, says Andreas Arvidsson, Operations Manager of the project.

For more information regarding our rescue actions and crews, be sure to check out the on-line articles and crew presentations via the links below. 

The Swedish Sea Rescue Society is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization that saves lives at sea, with no government funding. With over 2 100 volunteers working in maritime Search and Rescue along the Swedish coast and in the major lakes, ready to respond in all weather, all year round. We also work to prevent accidents at sea and disseminating information and knowledge on maritime safety and innovation.