Four West Frisians honored after rescuing drowning people on the Markermeer

Mayor Michiel Pijl of the municipality of Drechterland presented the bronze medal of honor this afternoon to Obdammers Kim van Diepen and Nikki Dirkmaat, and Robbie and Danny Blokdijk from Hoorn. This together with a certificate from the Royal Society for the Rescue of Drowning People as a token of appreciation for their heroic and courageous action on that one evening, July 3, 2022. Krzyzstof Pieciukonis, the rescued man, was also present.

Overturned canoe

What happened that night in question? Around 6.30 pm, help is called from the Markermeer near ‘t Haventje van Wijdenes. An inflatable canoe has capsized and is 500 meters from shore. It involves two people, a man and a woman. One of the persons is said to have disappeared under water by now. The two brothers, Robbie and Danny Blokdijk from Hoorn, have just arrived and have a speedboat in the airport. They want to test it.

They are called by witnesses who see from the shore that the couple is in distress. Although the speedboat has not yet been tested, it fortunately starts right away. Once they have arrived at the man, Danny and Rob manage to grab him just in time, only his hand is still visible. Finally, both drowning people are pulled on board. “If we had been ten seconds later, the man would have drowned”, Danny previously looked back on the event.

Both surprised

Although life goes on quickly and the months fly by, this recognition comes as a surprise. “Nice, it’s special that you get something like this. I also didn’t expect it at all, we’re now half a year further. I know we had to be there today at 4 p.m., but otherwise I really have no idea, a second surprise,” Danny responds to the news. Does he feel like a hero? “No, we just did what we had to do. I see the if an obligation that you help someone in need. It is eand special event, a date that will always stay with us.”

Kim van Diepen from Obdam is also surprised, who came to the rescue with inflatable tires together with her daughter. When they started to read the invitation, they are reminded of that one night again. “Especially for my daughter it is very special, she has experienced something special. That is not nothing for someone her age,” Kim says soberly. Her daughter feels the pride rising again. “We talked about it a lot and for a long time. We did it together, and we are very proud and happy about that.”