Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Scharhoern

**Title: Humpback Whale Rescue: Successful Journey from Poel to Release Near Skagen** In a remarkable rescue operation, a humpback whale that had become stranded off the coast of Poel has been successfully transported to a submersible barge named 'Jürgen' as of April 28. This extraordinary journey, facilitated by a dedicated team of volunteers and maritime experts, has led the whale to be towed by the tugboat "Fortuna B," with assistance from the vessel "Robin Hood." On April 29, the convoy commenced its journey at a steady speed of three to four knots, navigating around the northern tip of Denmark and into the Skagerrak en route to the North Sea, where the whale is set to be released. The escort for this important mission also includes a police boat from Fehmarn, ensuring safe passage to Danish waters. Having spent 29 challenging days stranded off the island of Poel, the whale's transition into the barge was a testament to the efforts of a private rescue initiative. Volunteers carefully guided the marine giant into a dredged channel, securing it with straps to facilitate its transfer onto the barge. In the late evening hours, smaller vessels helped maneuver the barge into Wismar Bay, where it was taken into tow by "Robin Hood." Subsequently, the "Fortuna B" assumed control near Fehmarn to continue the journey. On the morning of May 1, the convoy, now including 'Robin Hood' and the vessel 'Arne Tiselius,' reached a point 11 miles north of Skagen. The operation reached a significant moment on May 2, around 9 a.m., when the whale exited the barge 'Jürgen' under undisclosed circumstances, marking a successful conclusion to its transport. Following the release of the whale, the tugboat "Fortuna B" returned to Wilhelmshaven, arriving late at night on May 3. This inspiring event reinforces the importance of community involvement in marine wildlife rescue efforts. **For more details and videos of this incredible rescue, visit:** - [Tagesschau on Humpback Whale Release](https://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/europa/buckelwal-freigesetzt-100.html) - [Tagesschau on Whale Transport to Denmark](https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/regional/schleswigholstein/wal-transport-vor-daenemark-genaues-ziel-in-nordsee-noch-unklar,wal-180.html)

**Tugboat "Robin Hood" Set to Assist Humpback Whale Tow in Wismar** The tugboat "Robin Hood" has been secured in Wismar harbor since the morning of April 19, 2026, as it prepares for a remarkable mission. Hailing from Stralsund, this dedicated vessel has been contracted to tow a transport platform that is currently aiding a stranded humpback whale back to the open sea. Moored directly in front of the "Robin Hood" at the historic Wismar harbor is the vessel "Fortuna B," which will play a vital role in accompanying the tow operation. Together, they will embark on a journey through the Baltic Sea towards the Skagerrak, a trip that is estimated to last around 100 hours. At noon, divers were actively engaged in crucial underwater work near the tow platform, utilizing hoses to address the seabed. They are responsible for adjusting the tarpaulin and net set in place since April 18, which forms part of the innovative transport structure around the whale. To ensure safety throughout the operation, the German Lifeguard Association (DLRG) has mobilized an extensive response team. This includes five dedicated DLRG boats and a jet ski, stationed at the island's harbor. Approximately 20 DLRG personnel are on-site near the humpback whale, ready to provide assistance and monitor the situation. These volunteers will remain on the island of Poel for the duration of this delicate operation. The humpback whale has been observed lying relatively calm in the waters of Lake Kirchdorf, as efforts continue to facilitate its safe return to the ocean. For further updates and to view associated imagery, visit this [live ticker](https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/regional/mecklenburgvorpommern/liveticker-zum-rettungsversuch-schlepper-liegt-fuer-ostsee-wal-in-wismar-bereit,liveticker-428.html#Begleitschiff-zum-Schlepper).

On Dec 2, the VEBEG has sold the 'Scharhörn' to the JEB Bereederungs GmbH & Co. KG in Elsfleth, which will use it for the entry into the offshore industry.

The decommissioned "Scharhörn" has been put up for auction through the VEBEG, the Federal Government's disposal agency, while at the Abeking & Rasmussen shipyard in Lemwerder, the final work was underway on the first of three new, identical multi-purpose vessels for the Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration. The new "Scharhörn" is scheduled to enter service in early 2026. The "Mellum" and "Neuwerk" will also be replaced by new vessels by 2027; the total cost is approximately €680 million. The predecessor of the new "Scharhörn", has been laid up in Kiel. Bids are accepted until Dec 3, 2025. Viewings are available by appointment on Nov 25 annd Nov 26 at the ship's berth in the North Port No minimum price has been specified. The vessel requires an export license because it is equipped with a protective system compliant with NATO standards. Furthermore, the tender documents indicated that asbestos-containing components may still be present in inaccessible areas. The remaining fire extinguishing material also poses risks: it contains PFAS, and approximately 15 tons of it remain edon board. Compliance with environmental, safety, and hazardous materials regulations, as well as legal restrictions on the use of the fire-fighting foam, is the responsibility of the buyer. The "Scharhörn" was built in 1974 at the Rheinwerft shipyard in Duisburg under the name "Ostertor" as a supply vessel for offshore drilling platforms for the VTG Versorgungsschiffahrt GmbH in Bremen. In 1980, the Federal Ministry of Transport took over the vessel and assigned it to the Cuxhaven Waterways and Shipping Authority (WSA). Following a comprehensive refit at the Elsfleth Shipyard, it was deployed in the German Bight from 1982 onwards and continuously modernised to meet the requirements of a pollution control vessel. With the commissioning of the "Neuwerk" in 1998, the "Scharhörn" was transferred to the Lübeck water and shipping authority and has since monitored the western Baltic Sea from Flensburg to the Buk lighthouse. Its last major refit was three years ago at the Bredo Shipyard in Bremerhaven. The vessel offers accommodation for up to 14 crew members and features a bridge, chart room, radio room, and various work and recreation areas. The equipment includes crane and sweeper arms, a towing jib, and five fire monitors, two of which are remotely controlled. The buyer is not permitted to use the vessel's name.