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Deadly water adventure: Dramatic rescue missions on the Rhine!
Rescue operations in Mülheim and Düsseldorf: Dramatic swimming accidents on the Rhine lead to several missing people and deaths.
Deadly water adventure: Dramatic rescue missions on the Rhine!
A hot weekend caused night marries on the Rhine and in the surrounding waters. In Düsseldorf and Dormagen, the fire brigade and police were on constant duty to deal with several dramatic situations. While the temperatures soared, water accidents continued to occur, demanding everything from the emergency services.
A tragic accident occurred at Lake Straberg in Dormagen: a 27-year-old man who wanted to swim in a forbidden section suddenly went under. Unfortunately, he could only be rescued lifeless by divers; The exact circumstances of his demise remain unclear, and a revival failed, as WDR reports. In addition, a man was rescued from the Rhine in Mülheim, but he later died of his injuries in hospital.
Urgent searches
The water police also found themselves challenged in other cities: In Düsseldorf, a 22-year-old man went missing on Paradise Beach. Despite intensive searches by the fire department, DLRG and divers, the operation was unsuccessful. In Cologne, passers-by also reported a missing person at a passenger ship pier, but here too the search was unsuccessful. A total of three people are currently missing, including a man who went into the middle of the river in Düsseldorf-Niederkassel and sank there. These incidents illustrate the dangers that the Rhine harbors.
In Duisburg, a father jumped into the water to save his children. Everyone was able to reach the shore, but had to be taken to a clinic as a precaution. A 16-year-old also got into trouble and was fortunately rescued by witnesses and a jet ski driver. Nevertheless, the warning from the water police remains present: “The Rhine is not a refreshment, but a deadly danger,” as Bild reports.
Increase in swimming accidents
The year 2024 is already showing worrying statistics: So far, at least 253 people have drowned in Germany - 53 more than in the previous year. Particularly alarming is the increase in drownings in rivers, which rose from 77 to 92. This trend has continued for the third year in a row. [ZDF]. The DLRG therefore strongly recommends that you only swim in guarded waters and that you find out about the conditions in advance.
Another problematic issue is the safety of children in the water. Around 20% of primary school children cannot swim and almost 60% are unsafe in the water. Experts say the issue needs better focus; The DLRG recommends that older people consult their doctor before swimming and take appropriate safety precautions to prevent drowning accidents.
In the current crazy time of summer heat, such tragedies give us pause. It is important to always be careful and take the dangers that lurk in supposedly refreshing waters seriously.