Drama on the Rhine: Father caught by current – ​​children save themselves alone!

Drama on the Rhine: Father caught by current – ​​children save themselves alone!

On Monday afternoon, August 12, 2025, an authentic drama broke out in Cologne: A 47-year-old father of two from Rodenkirchen is missing in the Rhine. According to reports, the man was swimming in the water with one of his sons when the current swept him away. In a traumatic scene, the wife had to watch idly as her husband perished before her eyes and their other son. Luckily, the child managed to save himself to the shore, while the affected relatives quickly received pastoral care, as Express reports.

The Cologne fire department and the water police were alerted at 4 p.m. A large-scale search operation quickly began, involving not only the fire department, but also the DLRG, a diving group and a police helicopter. The search extended over the area where the man was last seen, up to two kilometers up and down the Rhine. But after two and a half hours the search had to be called off because the man's chances of survival were considered slim.

Security concerns in the Rhine

This tragic slide once again raises the question of safety in the Rhine. There have been several fatal swimming accidents in the region in recent weeks. A general bathing ban is currently being considered in Düsseldorf, where five people drowned in the last two weeks. According to Tagesschau it could even go so far that the city is planning to largely ban swimming in the Rhine, possibly even putting your feet in the water. Anyone who does not adhere to these measures must expect fines of at least 150 euros.

The dangers of the Rhine should not be ignored. The current speeds range between 3 and 12 km/h and can vary depending on the water level and location. In addition, shipping traffic often causes life-threatening suction and wave impacts, even in shallow waters. In 2022, a total of 378 people drowned in Germany. As far as the Rhine is concerned, the DLRG pointed out that many of these accidents could be avoided. Last year, 47 people drowned in North Rhine-Westphalia, representing a worrying increase, as reported by the NRW Police.

Security measures

The city of Cologne has already issued a corresponding warning and strongly warns against swimming in the Rhine. Special bathing bans apply in certain areas, particularly near harbor entrances or structures. Swimming there could pose a risk to life, as the artificial waterways are mainly designed for ship traffic. And the responsible authorities have little leeway to enforce the regulation in practice.

The sad events are a powerful wake-up call for all those who see the Rhine as a refreshing place to visit. It's worth considering whether the enjoyment of being in the water can outweigh the possible risks. So far there remains hope that the missing man will return safely. But reality speaks a different language and shows how important safety and mindfulness are when swimming in rivers.