Seenotdienst
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The Seenotdienst was a German military organization formed within the Luftwaffe to save downed airmen from emergency water landings. The Seenotdienst operated from 1935 to 1945 and was the first organized air-sea rescue service.
The German Seenotdienst operated 14 Heinkel He 59 floatplanes (like this Finnish Air Force example) as well as a variety of fast boats.
Some powerful Dornier Do 24 aircraft were captured in the Netherlands and fitted for rescue, and many more ordered.
Pillau, January 1945. Boats and aircraft of the Seenotdienst helped evacuate thousands of German citizens during the last four months of war.
Dornier Do 24
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The Dornier Do 24 is a 1930s German three-engine flying boat designed by the Dornier Flugzeugwerke for maritime patrol and search and rescue. A total of 279 were built among several factories from 1937 to 1945.
Dornier Do 24 V3 prototype in Dutch markings
Diesel-powered Luftwaffe Do 24 V1 trials aircraft being used as an air-sea rescue aircraft
Luftwaffe Do 24 in Romania, 1941