From the PTT internal magazine app 1986

‘In the morning on your way to work you got involved in a rescue operation. That happened to our colleague. Winter is on its way out, but it was still pretty chilly outside. The morning sun was glowing on the horizon.

Mr. Schoonveld had just parked his car at the Museum Bridge in Groningen when he heard screams. Walking in the direction of the sound, the noise changed into cries for help. Arriving at the Zuiderhaven, Schoonveld saw a car lying in the water. Near the floating restaurant on the Steenhouwerskade, two drowning people tried to keep their heads above water. Shouting for help and flailing around. Schoonveld did not hesitate for a moment and ran back to his car to get a piece of rope. Back at the scene of the disaster, the drowning person, who turned out not to be able to swim, had been guided to the bow of the restaurant ship by the other victim. But unfortunately to a rather unfortunate choice of location. Mr. Schoonveld rushed onto the ship, made a loop in the rope and threw it to the drowning people. Then the job began. The first people who had hit the water had to be pulled up against the ship’s side. In the meantime, Schoonveld had received help from a passer-by. Together they pulled the first victim on board. A few more volunteers had come to help. With combined efforts, the second drowning man was hoisted up. In the meantime, the police, who had been hastily alerted, arrived.

In panic, frozen to the bone and completely distraught, the drowning victims were taken to the police station in a police van. After completing the rescue task, Mr. Schoonveld went to Reitemakersrijge. There was no work yet. Once seated behind his desk, Schoonveld really realized what had happened in the early morning hours. Shaking with fear, Mr. Schoonveld told his colleagues about the rescue operation.