The SEA-EYE 4 was used as an offshore supply vessel in the Baltic Sea until the end of 2019. It was built in 1972, is over 55 metres long and 11 metres wide. Due to its design, the ship is very well suited for rescue operations. The SEA-EYE 4 is equipped with a hospital and two fast rescue boats to bring boat refugees on board and provide them with medical care. The ship's electrical and nautical equipment, accommodation and much more have also been adapted for the new task as a rescue ship. The ship sails under the German flag.

The SEA-EYE 4 belongs to the sea rescue organisation Sea-Eye e.V., which also operates the ship. United4Rescue was instrumental in the purchase and conversion of the ship.

The SEA-EYE 4 is large enough to safely accommodate a large number of rescued boat people. When the ship is in operation, there are up to 22 people on board as crew.

Purchase prices vary from ship to ship — depending on type, equipment, condition. Our first alliance ship, the Sea-Watch 4, was acquired with a bid of 1.3 million euros. Our second alliance ship, SEA-EYE 4, cost 250,000 euros. However, the purchase alone is not enough. Further considerable costs are due for conversion and operation.

United4Rescue was instrumental in the purchase of the SEA-EYE 4 — but remains connected to the ship even beyond that. The many donors and allies of United4Rescue stand behind the ship — even if it is arrested or the crew is criminalised and attacked.