Man dies during sea rescue mission

By CNN Denmark

COPENHAGEN, Denmark -- A Danish seaman has died while rescuing the crew of a German ship during a storm in the North Sea.

Police said the 56-year-old, working on a rescue vessel, fell into waves up to 12 metres high as a rubber dinghy was launched to pick up the seven-man crew of the German coaster 'Faros'.

He was pulled from the water but later died.

Three helicopters and the rescue vessel had been unable to get near the 'Faros' because of the strong winds and high seas.

The seven crewmen had to leap into the water in complete darkness before climbing on board the life raft, surrounded by debris from their ship.

Three of the men had to be rescued a second time after falling into the sea again as a helicopter tried to raise them to safety.

Two have been flown to hospital in the west coast port of Esbjerg. The captain is in intensive care, described as critically ill but stable.

Eight people die in Europe storms
October 31, 2000

CNN Denmark

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