Limited literature exists on the psychological, emotional, behavioural and cognitive impact experienced by civilian rescue volunteers following shipwrecks in the open sea. However, the recent surge in maritime disasters in the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas, owing to refugees attempting to reach Europe, has made these incidents more common, necessitating a novel scientific approach. All rescue workers involved in emergency situations, immediately following any disaster, play a pivotal role in saving lives and providing necessary support.

However, their tasks make them highly susceptible to adverse emotional effects. The responsibilities of rescuers expose them to physically demanding, exhausting, perilous and life-threatening situations. They often witness physical harm or the suffering of victims, leading to 'vicarious traumatization, gruesome deaths, severe injuries, or intense emotional demands, such as searching for survivors, exposure to harsh weather conditions, prolonged danger, loss and emotional or physical strain during or after the disaster. These factors significantly elevate the risk of severe distressing emotional reactions and various types of psychopathological symptoms among rescue workers.