Marine rescue boat Asmus Bremer

After 25 years facing the rigours of marine rescue operations, the Asmus Bremer was presented to the Deutsches Museum by the German Maritime Search and Rescue Association (DGzRS). Now, alongside the Theodor Heuss, a marine rescue cruiser from the first series of modern rescue units operated by the DGzRS, the Deutsches Museum can display the prototype of a modern all-weather marine rescue boat. The Asmus Bremer is also a symbol of the selfless commitment of its all-volunteer rescue crews. Between 1987, when it was first launched, and its decommissioning in 2012, the crews of the Asmus Bremer rescued 644 people from distress at sea or other dangers. In 25 years of service under the DGzRS flag bearing the red Hanseatic cross, it logged about 88,000 nautical miles (approx. 163,000 kilometres) on rescue, patrol and safety missions. That is equivalent to more than four circumnavigations of the Earth.

Following completion of the museum's open-air display area, dedicated to the theme, "On the high seas", the boat will be exhibited at its final berth alongside the marine rescue cruiser Theodor Heuss. It will then be possible to inspect both boats from the inside during children's programmes and tours. Until then the Asmus Bremer will extend a personal welcome to every visitor outside the museum's main entrance.

Like all DGzRS rescue units, the Asmus Bremer was designed to right itself automatically in case it capsized. Key data: Length over all: 8.28 m; breadth over all: 3.10 m; draught: 0.85 m; engine power: 220 HP; speed: 18 knots (approx. 33 km/h); crew: volunteers

Named for Asmus Bremer, who served as the mayor of Kiel, Germany, from 1702 until 1720, the rescue boat was stationed in the Schilksee Olympic for the entire time it was in service.