Woman pinned under falling mast requiring helicopter rescue operation. - Woman collapses under sailing mast; rescue helicopter deployment ensues
In the Lock at Brunsbüttel, Landkreis Dithmarschen, a collision between a sailing yacht and a tanker occurred on the evening of Saturday, May 25, 2025. The yacht, identified as the "Elbe Express," suffered a snapped mast, injuring a 55-year-old woman.
The woman, who was the skipper, was seriously hurt and later transported to a hospital for treatment. The incident did not appear to be critical, though. A rescue helicopter was deployed to transfer her to medical facilities.
The ship involved in the collision was a Varianta 37 yacht built in 2016, primarily used by the Eichler Yacht School for training. At the time of the incident, an instructor and a customer crew were on board.
According to the yacht school owner, a 100-meter tanker was moored on the starboard side of the lock. As another carbon racer entered the lock at high speed, the "Elbe Express" followed behind and was struck by the tanker's screw water, causing it to veer crosswise. The mast of the yacht hit car tires on the tanker's side and broke in the middle.
As the mast collapsed, falling parts struck the woman, who was seated aft by the gear lever and rudder. She was trapped between the railing and the radar bracket, losing consciousness as a result of the incident.
The cause of the collision remains under investigation, with authorities emphasizing the importance of proper situational awareness and safety procedures in lock navigation. The incident underscores the significance of these measures, particularly for skippers. No further details regarding the tanker or other vessels involved in the collision were immediately available.
- The Eichler Yacht School, known for its vocational training, is reviewing their safety procedures in light of the collision involving their ship, the "Elbe Express," in the Lock at Brunsbüttel.
- In a general-news report, the serious injury of a 55-year-old woman during a collision with a tanker has brought attention to the importance of science in conducting thorough investigations into such accidents.
- The health-and-wellness of the injured skipper, who was transported to a hospital after the collision, is a stark reminder of the risks associated with sailing and the need for continued vocational training in the sport.
