distress at sea
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distress at sea
A life-threatening dangerous situation for a ship, its crew, or passengers at sea that requires immediate assistance.
Wegen eines schweren Sturms geriet das Segelboot in Seenot.
Because of a severe storm, the sailboat got into distress at sea.
The word 'Seenot' (distress at sea) is a compound of 'die See' (the sea) and 'die Not' (danger, emergency). So it literally means 'distress at sea.'
Ein Motorschaden auf offener See kann schnell zu Seenot führen.
Engine failure on the open sea can quickly lead to distress at sea.
The most important phrase is 'in Seenot geraten' (to get into distress at sea), which means to get into this dangerous situation. Other common verbs are 'in Seenot sein' (to be in distress at sea) and 'aus Seenot retten' (to rescue from distress at sea).
Das Schiff ist vor der Küste in Seenot geraten.
The ship got into distress at sea off the coast.
'Seenot' (distress at sea) is an official term used by rescue services, in the news, and in shipping. It describes an acute, life-threatening situation, not just minor problems on the water.
Der Kapitän sendete ein Seenot-Signal aus.
The captain sent out a distress signal.
emergency situation
A Notlage is a general difficult or dangerous situation in which urgent help is needed. Seenot is the more specific term for a life-threatening emergency involving a ship at sea. Use Notlage in general, and Seenot for a ship or the people on it when they are at sea.
Wegen des Motorschadens geriet das Schiff auf dem Meer in Seenot und setzte einen Notruf ab.
Because of the engine failure, the ship got into distress at sea and sent out a distress call.
Wegen des Motorschadens geriet die Reisegruppe in eine Notlage und brauchte schnell Hilfe.
Because of the engine failure, the tour group found itself in an emergency situation and quickly needed help.
