Meripelastus

Meripelastus refers to organized emergency response to maritime distress incidents with the aim of saving lives, protecting property, and minimizing environmental harm at sea and in coastal areas. It encompasses detection of distress signals, rapid alerting of rescuers, and execution of search and rescue operations using ships, boats, helicopters, and shore facilities. Typical missions include rescuing people from sinking or capsized vessels, assisting disabled vessels, evacuating injured or ill persons, locating missing persons, and responding to pollution incidents.

Operations are coordinated through a Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) or equivalent authority, which receives distress signals via radio, satellite, or other channels, assigns resources, and maintains command and communications. Agencies involved vary by country but commonly include coast guards or border guards, naval authorities, harbor or port authorities, fire and medical services, and, in many countries, volunteer sea-rescue organizations. International cooperation and adherence to conventions such as SOLAS, the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR), and the IAMSAR Manual guide procedures and information-sharing across borders.

Equipment and methods used include all-weather lifeboats, fast rescue craft, search helicopters, remotely piloted systems in some contexts, life rafts, acoustic and visual search aids, and medical equipment; responders are trained in first aid, navigation, search techniques, and casualty care. Public awareness, weather conditions, and sea state influence operations. Safety of rescuers is prioritized with risk assessment and secure communications.