Museumskreuzer Otto Schülke

Description

Museum Cruiser “Otto Schülke” – A Ship with a History

“We go out when others come in.”

From 1969 to 1997, the sea rescue cruiser “Otto Schülke” was stationed on Norderney. For almost three decades she lay at her fixed berth in the harbour, with her white hull and orange superstructure, always ready. Today she is back where she belongs: since 31 July 2021 she has been back in Norderney harbour, seaworthy and once again in brilliant orange. She is the only preserved DGzRS rescue cruiser that lies in her former home port.

A Name That Carries Weight
Her namesake, Otto Schülke (1914–1967), was a rescueman on the rescue cruiser “Adolph Bermpohl”. On 23 February 1967, the entire crew lost their lives during a rescue mission in a hurricane off Helgoland. The ship commemorates him and all those who remained at sea.

The Night of the “Alfried Krupp”
In the night of 1 to 2 January 1995, the Borkum-based cruiser “Alfried Krupp” was severely damaged in an accident on her way back from a rescue mission. The “Otto Schülke” put to sea at 22:50 with four men: coxswain Peter Saß, engineer Hermann Janssen, Michael Ulrichs and the volunteer rescuer Berend Dirksen. Outside, a hurricane was raging. The seas came from every direction, and the surf thundered on the sandbanks in front of the tidal inlets.

At just under 19 metres, the “Otto Schülke” searched for the cruiser, which was almost twice as heavy and more than seven metres longer. In the beam of the searchlight, it kept appearing and vanishing again. Attempt after attempt failed. Once, the stern of the “Krupp” swung past just about two metres in front of the bow. Then the towline connection succeeded, and the “Otto Schülke” towed the damaged vessel through the night towards Eemshaven. Two men from the “Alfried Krupp” survived, in part because this rescue succeeded. Coxswain Bernhard Gruben and engineer Theo Fischer lost their lives. The rescuers only received the news while under tow, and it hit them hard. The “Otto Schülke” herself remained undamaged.

Plain, Robust, Original
You will look in vain for modern technology here. The “Otto Schülke” is a working ship, built in 1969 at Fr. Schweers in Bardenfleth and still largely in her original condition to this day. You will see the simple equipment with which the crew went out in all weathers back then. This includes:

• the open upper steering position, from which the ship was steered in wind and spray
• the main engine, an MTU diesel engine with 710 kW (965 hp), on board since 1977
• the daughter boat “Johann Fidi”
• No computers, 1970s control technology, and a cramped deck from which rescues were carried out.
• A galley and sleeping quarters for four people, so cramped that nobody could be expected to put up with them today.

From Service to Museum
In 1997, the “Otto Schülke” was replaced by the larger “Bernhard Gruben” and went via Iceland to Norway. In 2018, people from Norderney founded the association to bring her back. More than 70,000 euros from crowdfunding, plus many donations, made the purchase possible in 2019. Today, around 190 members support the ship.

Come Aboard
Since June 2025, you can experience the “Otto Schülke” on a guided tour. We show you how it was: the technology, the missions, life on board, up close and with real stories from almost 30 years of sea rescue on the North Sea. The tours last about 45 minutes, the groups are small, and you stand on deck yourself, at the upper steering position or in the wheelhouse with the crew quarters.

Curious?
Take a look around, book an appointment, or become part of the crew. From just 20 euros, you are on board as a supporting member.

Book your appointment (April – October) at:
Book a tour   

Booking page in German; please note: our guided tours are currently held in German only.