H. J. Kratschke

The H.-J. Kratschke is a sea rescue cruiser preserved as a museum ship in Bremen. The vessel measures 18.9 meters in length and features specialized rescue equipment designed for maritime emergency operations.

Built in 1969 at the Abeking & Rasmussen shipyard, this cruiser served at multiple German coastal stations until its retirement in 2003. Its decades of service demonstrate the importance of maritime rescue operations along the North Sea coast.

The vessel is named after a crew member of the Adolph Bermpohl rescue cruiser who died during a severe maritime accident in 1967. This choice honors those who gave their lives in maritime rescue operations.

Visitors can tour the ship in Bremen and watch footage from actual rescue missions during guided visits. The experience provides insight into the real demands of maritime rescue work.

The cruiser carries its own smaller rescue boat called the Ludje, which was used for operations in shallow waters. This compact companion vessel illustrates how rescue operations required different types of boats working together.

Location: Neustadt

Length: 18.9 m

GPS coordinates: 53.07090,8.80771

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:24