Rescue at sea

New emergency towing equipment allows rescue helicopters to fly farther and in worse weather

In the Lofoten archipelago off Norway’s northern west coast, a rescue helicopter circles over a cruise ship. Soon, two people and a large bag are lowered onto the deck. Then a line is launched over to the coast guard ship that is right next to it. The cruise ship is ready to be towed. Fortunately, this is only an exercise to test the new equipment and not a real emergency.