Gale-force winds of over 100 km/h, giant waves towering over five metres, heavy rain and icy cold - such conditions are nothing unusual for the motor lifeboats of the DGzRS(German sea rescue association). In the course of the 130 years since the DGzRS was founded, its boats have rescued more than 64,000 people from distress or danger at sea, often in the most adverse working conditions. The rescue fleet comprises a total 57 boats (1999 figure). One of its most high-performance and modern SAR vessels is the ARKONA; stationed in Sassnitz (NE German state of Mecklenburg-West Pomerania on the Baltic coast), it has a fire extinguishing capacity of 36,000 litres/min. A special structural design gives the ARKONA outstanding nautical capabilities in ground swell and breakers and - even in the most difficult circumstances - allows it to be manoeuvred alongside ships in distress. The ARKONA is powered by an MTU diesel engine with 1,200 kW(1,632 h.p.) and two MWM diesel engines each with 574 kW (781 h.p.). Speed: 24 knots (approx. 44.5 km/h);range: 2,300 nautical miles. It has a crew of 9, 4 of whom are permanently on board. The two remote-controlled fire extinguisher monitors located on the upper navigating stand are capable of directing around 2,200 m3 of water per hour over a distance of about 130 m right into a fire source. Two further monitors can be connected up for discharging foam compound; these are smaller with a capacity of 144 m3 each per hour.

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RVL-5226RETAIL PRICE: $34.50SALE PRICE: $27.60