Seven-year-old boy missing in the Rhine: major alarm in Düsseldorf!

Seven-year-old boy missing in the Rhine: major alarm in Düsseldorf!

The Rhine remains a dangerous place even in these hot summer days. In the early evening of July 3, 2025, a 7-year-old boy went missing in Düsseldorf after he was caught by the current and drifted away. Passers-by alerted the fire department at 6:40 p.m. This immediately began with an extensive search operation in the Himmelgeist district. Despite the dedicated effort with boats and divers, the fire department had to stop the search at 9:15 p.m. without results. Emergency responders looked after the agitated relatives on the shore, while the boy remains missing. He came with his family to swim at the Rhine, where several other children were also present. Reports claiming the child had drowned were quickly corrected as false and hope remains that he will be found soon. Bild reports on these worrying developments.

But this tragedy is not the only incident that casts a spell on the people on the Rhine. A woman was seriously injured when she jumped into the water to help her husband, who was also in trouble. Both events illustrate the dangers associated with swimming in the Rhine. Although there is no general ban on swimming in the Rhine, cities such as Bonn and Cologne strongly warn against swimming in the Rhine, as the currents are often unpredictable and can cause difficulties for even experienced swimmers. The speed of the current and the waves from passing ships can be overlooked and are often the cause of fatal swimming accidents. LZ points out the increasing risks associated with swimming in the Rhine.

Haro, keep your hands off the Rhine!

People in Cologne are currently sweating in temperatures of up to 40 degrees. The weather is drawing many people outdoors, but the city strongly warns against swimming in the Rhine. Several people drown every year because they underestimate the dangers. Accidents caused by currents are often treacherous even for experienced swimmers. The city recommends that you remain calm in emergency situations and do the following: swim with the current, call loudly for help and do not put yourself in danger by jumping into the water to save others. In such situations, the emergency number 112 should be dialed and detailed information about the location of the emergency should be provided. [24rhein].

A look at the numbers: In 2023, a total of 378 people drowned in Germany, which represents an increase compared to previous years. What is particularly worrying is that 90% of fatal swimming accidents occurred in unguarded inland waters. And in North Rhine-Westphalia, too, the number of swimming accidents fell in 2023, but the risks remain constant. On significantly hot days, more people flock to the waterways, increasing the risk. The city of Cologne and other authorities are appealing to citizens to be careful and stay away from risky swimming opportunities such as unsecured quarry ponds.