Missing electric boat driver on Lake Chiemsee: A big search is underway!

Missing electric boat driver on Lake Chiemsee: A big search is underway!

There is currently worrying news to report in Gstadt am Chiemsee: A 39-year-old man from the Traunstein district who rented an electric boat on Monday has been missing since then. On Monday evening, an attentive sailor discovered the abandoned boat between Fraueninsel and Gstadt and immediately informed the police. A large-scale search operation was immediately launched after the boat driver did not return as planned. BR reports.

The man rented the electric boat for two hours at 4 p.m. However, he had not reported back on Monday evening when the idle boat was discovered. The search that was then launched, in which the water rescue service, the German Life Saving Society (DLRG) and a police helicopter were involved, has so far been unsuccessful. The water police could only find the abandoned boat in the reeds on the west bank. After the search continued on Tuesday but was later suspended, police remain on observation days. Mercury reports.

Intensive search measures

Dozens of emergency services searched on Tuesday afternoon both on water and on land. A total of eight boats from the water rescue service and DLRG were in use, some of which were equipped with modern sonar devices. In addition, the police cavalry squadron and volunteers from the volunteer fire department were on site, everyone ready to receive information or clarify possible accidents.

The police are appealing to anyone who was out on the lake on Monday afternoon and may have seen the missing person or even witnessed an accident to come forward. There remains hope for a positive end to the search, but the weather and circumstances complicate the situation.

Dangers of drowning in water

Accidents in the water are more common than you think. Every year, over 50 people drown in Switzerland, often without any real warning. Many victims can swim and yet the unforeseeable still happens. Overheating, cramps or simply the current may be to blame for putting people in danger. This is illustrated by the statement from the Federal Office for Accident Insurance, which emphasizes the bathing rules and correct behavior in the water. BFU reports.

Particularly beautiful summer days often bring with them an underestimated risk. Even if you have good swimming skills, alcohol or even health problems can lead to a dramatic incident. Therefore, experts strongly recommend using buoyancy aids such as life jackets to be better prepared in an emergency.

It is no different on the waters around Lake Chiemsee. Given the current situation, it is important not only to rely on your own strengths, but also to always act in a safety-conscious manner.