Krupp-Foundation supports the purchase of a New DLRG lifeboat
“Christine” – that is the name of the new lifeboat of the DLRG e. V. Essen. On Sunday, 19 April, the ceremonial launching took place under the patronage of Mayor Thomas Kufen, together with Andreas Wieser, District Chair of DLRG Essen, and Dr Michaela Muylkens, member of the Executive Board of the Krupp Foundation.
The purchase of the new lifeboat, made possible by further funding from Sparkasse Essen, enabled the DLRG e. V. Essen to replace the last boat of an older generation dating from 2005. Equipped with modern technology such as a sonar system for locating persons, a 115 hp engine, an electric bow ramp and a permanently installed thermal imaging camera, it enables the volunteer rescue crews to provide assistance on the waters in and around Essen even more quickly and safely.
“With the new motor rescue boat, we are making a targeted investment in the future of our operational capability,” explains Sebastian Bellgardt, Head of Operations at DLRG Essen District Association.
From March until the end of November, the rescue services of DLRG e. V. are on duty, responding to around 270 incidents each year. The volunteers’ assistance ranges from administering applying plasters and rescuing capsized boats to performing resuscitation by medically trained personnel. Around 70 volunteers in the Essen district dedicate their free time as boat operators, swift-water rescuers, first aiders, rescue divers, incident commanders and in many other roles.
As part of its commitment in the field of health, the Krupp Foundation supported the purchase of the boat with financial funding. The Foundation aims to increase safety on Essen’s waterways and to sustainably strengthen the important work of DLRG e. V. Essen.