LNS Skalvis (M53) of the Lithuanian Navy acknowledged and responded to a mayday call from a sail boat while training in NATO Exercise BALTOPS 2026. A crew member aboard the sail boat was in need of assistance due to a trauma suffered.
Having received the distress signal, the LNS Skalvis (M53) crew contacted the German Seach and Rescue Coordination Centre, offered assistance, and immediately turned towards the sailboat coordinates. When it reached the ship location, the crew got a rescue team and a paramedic ready in case further assistance was needed. They soon were caught up with by the German coastal protection boat and a SAREX helicopter that took charge of the situation and evacuated the injured.
When the rescue effort was completed and the Lithuanian crew was excused, LNS Skalvis (M53) re-joined NATO’s BALTOPS 2026.
It is noteworthy that the incident was not a part of the training but a real-life distress at sea which was handled in line with the maritime international search and rescue procedures.
Photo credits: LNS Skalvis (M53) crew.
