Baltic Sea refugees targeted by the Stasi

Baltic Sea refugees targeted by the Stasi
Border regime and escapes on the GDR coast
Lecture and discussion with Dr. Volker Höffer (BStU) | stasi-unterlagen-archiv.de
Fri, May 10, 2024 | 7 p.m. | Haus des Gastes.

They sailed, paddled or swam across the Baltic Sea, always accompanied by fear for their own lives - the GDR Baltic Sea refugees. Using often adventurous means, including self-built submarines, over 5,600 GDR citizens attempted to cross the "invisible wall" to freedom in 1961-1989 alone, often from Graal-Müritz. A sophisticated surveillance network on the coast and in the hinterland was intended to prevent these escapes.
Dr. Volker Höffer sheds light on the system of "border security" on the Baltic Sea and the various escape methods. One focus is the role of the GDR secret police. Using examples of escapes from Graal-Müritz, he explores the question of why people exposed themselves to such mortal danger or the risk of years of imprisonment.