Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Scharhoern

A remarkable rescue operation unfolded as a humpback whale, initially stranded off Poel, was successfully transferred into the submersible barge 'Jürgen' on April 28, 2023. The operation saw the whale towed by the vessel 'Fortuna B', with support from 'Robin Hood', as they ventured at a speed of three to four knots on April 29. The convoy's route included navigating around the northern tip of Denmark, making its way through the Skagerrak into the North Sea, where a release of the whale was planned. Joining the effort, a police vessel from Fehmarn Island was slated to provide an escort to ensure the whale’s safe passage to Denmark. The whale had remained stranded off Poel for an impressive 29 days before its relocation, a feat facilitated by a dedicated team of volunteers. Through a meticulous process, they guided the whale into a dredged channel, employing straps to pull it into the barge. On the evening of the transfer, smaller boats assisted in pushing the barge into Wismar Bay, later transferring the towing duties to the tugboat 'Robin Hood'. By May 1, the convoy, now also accompanied by 'Arne Tiselius', had reached a point 11 miles north of Skagen. Remarkably, at approximately 9 a.m. on May 2, the whale exited the barge 'Jürgen' north of Skagen under mysterious circumstances. After the release, 'Fortuna B' returned to Wilhelmshaven, arriving around midnight on May 3. This dramatic event has drawn significant public interest, exemplifying the compassion and commitment of the volunteers involved in marine wildlife rescue efforts. For further information and video footage of the operation, please visit the reports linked here: [Tagesschau Whale Release Video](https://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/europa/buckelwal-freigesetzt-100.html) and [Tagesschau Whale Transport Details](https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/regional/schleswigholstein/wal-transport-vor-daenemark-genaues-ziel-in-nordsee-noch-unklar,wal-180.html).

In a remarkable effort to assist a stranded humpback whale, the tugboat "Robin Hood" has been docked at Wismar harbor since the morning of April 19, 2026. This tug from Stralsund has been commissioned to tow a specialized transport platform that houses the whale back toward open waters. Positioned in Wismar's historic old harbor, the support vessel "Fortuna B" is set to accompany the tow, ensuring the whale's safe journey. The transit through the Baltic Sea toward the Skagerrak is anticipated to take roughly 100 hours. By noon on April 19, divers were actively working underwater, utilizing hoses to manage the seabed. Their task involves meticulously aligning the tarpaulin and net, which have been in place since April 18 as part of the transport setup for the whale. To ensure safety during this delicate operation, several DLRG boats have been deployed, according to local emergency services in Kirchdorf. Five DLRG boats and a jet ski are stationed at the island’s harbor, while around 20 DLRG personnel remain on-site to assist with the whale's recovery efforts. The majestic humpback whale has been relatively calm in the waters at Lake Kirchdorf, setting the stage for this intricate rescue mission. For more visuals and real-time updates, visit the live report at Tagesschau.

On December 2, the VEBEG announced the successful sale of the former anti-pollution ship 'Scharhörn' to JEB Bereederungs GmbH & Co. KG, located in Elsfleth. This strategic acquisition marks the vessel's entry into the burgeoning offshore industry, reflecting a trend toward repurposing maritime assets for new applications in offshore operations.

The retired pollution control vessel 'Scharhörn' is now available for auction through VEBEG, the German Federal Government's disposal agency. Currently stationed at the Abeking & Rasmussen shipyard in Lemwerder, preparations are underway for the launch of the first of three identical multi-purpose vessels intended for the Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration, with the new 'Scharhörn' expected to commence operations in early 2026. The existing vessels, 'Mellum' and 'Neuwerk', are also slated for replacement by 2027, a project that will cost around €680 million. The original 'Scharhörn' is currently docked in Kiel, with bids accepted until December 3, 2025. Interested parties can schedule viewings on November 25 and 26 at the vessel's berth located in the North Port. Notably, no minimum bid price has been established. Prospective buyers should be aware that the ship requires an export license due to its NATO-compliant protective system. Additionally, the tender documents caution that certain sections of the vessel may still contain asbestos, and it retains about 15 tons of PFAS-laden fire extinguishing material on board, presenting environmental and safety concerns. It falls upon the new owner to ensure adherence to regulations regarding hazardous materials and the usage of firefighting foam. Originally constructed in 1974 at the Rheinwerft shipyard in Duisburg, the vessel was named 'Ostertor' and served as a supply ship for offshore drilling operations for VTG Versorgungsschiffahrt GmbH in Bremen. In 1980, control was transferred to the Federal Ministry of Transport and the vessel operated under the Cuxhaven Waterways and Shipping Authority. After an extensive refit at the Elsfleth Shipyard, the 'Scharhörn' served in the German Bight starting in 1982, continually updated to fulfill its role as a pollution control vessel. Following the commissioning of the 'Neuwerk' in 1998, it was assigned to the Lübeck water and shipping authority, monitoring the western Baltic Sea from Flensburg to the Buk lighthouse. Its most recent major overhaul occurred three years ago at the Bredo Shipyard in Bremerhaven. The 'Scharhörn' accommodates up to 14 crew members and is equipped with a bridge, chart room, radio room, and several work and recreational areas. Equipment includes crane and sweeper arms, a towing jib, and a total of five fire monitors, with two being remotely operated. Please note that the buyer is prohibited from retaining the vessel's name.