SEK operation on the Flensburg Fjord: Conflict over fishing net takes a surprising turn

The incident was apparently triggered by a dispute that had completely escalated: the anchor of a Danish sailing yacht is said to have become entangled in the set nets of a part-time fisherman. Whilst attempting to resolve the situation, the two men are said to have become embroiled in a heated argument. Eventually, the fisherman called in the security authorities, claiming that the Danish skipper was threatening him with a firearm.

​SEK on the Flensburg Fjord

In response to this reported, potentially acute threat, an operation took place off Wassersleben which is said to have resembled a scene straight out of a film: Whilst snipers took up positions on the embankment alongside the footpath, officers from the SEK approached the Danish sailing yacht from the water in several boats. Reportedly heavily armed, the officers are said to have ordered the skipper to come on deck. The 58-year-old Danish skipper is said to have complied with this request with his hands raised. During the arrest, he is said to have been cooperative and allowed himself to be taken into custody without resistance. Meanwhile, the officers searched the yacht.

Two versions, no weapon

As the investigation by the Flensburg Public Prosecutor’s Office now shows, there are now two completely conflicting accounts of the incident. According to statements made by Chief Public Prosecutor Bernd Winterfeldt to the Schleswig-Holsteinische Zeitungsverlag (SHZ), First reported by the Flensburger Tageblatt, the fisherman continues to accuse the skipper of having drawn the aforementioned firearm during the altercation. However, despite an intensive search, the investigators have so far been unable to substantiate this account with evidence: no firearm was found either on board the yacht or during a subsequent search of the surrounding seabed by divers.

For his part, the Danish sailor has filed a criminal complaint against the fisherman for damage to property. He accuses the fisherman of deliberately ramming the sailing yacht with his fishing boat during the altercation. The authorities’ investigation is still ongoing.

See also:

• ​Seamanship: Everything you need to know about anchoring – What to bear in mind and how to do it properly

Anchor caught in a fishing net: what now?

Although this is an extreme example, it illustrates how important it is to act calmly in the event of territorial disputes. If your anchor or propeller becomes entangled in a fishing net, you should:

1. No damage to property: Never disconnect third-party network equipment without authorisation, unless there is an immediate risk to life and limb.
2. Securing evidence: Take photographs or film the situation. Check whether the net was marked in accordance with the regulations.
3. Call the police: If the angler is not present, or if the situation cannot be resolved amicably on the spot, as in the case described above, please call the Water Police immediately so that they can record the incident.