Search at Lake Achensee

“Ghost surfboard” led to major operation in Tyrol

Several fire departments and water rescuers were deployed.(Bild: ZOOM Tirol)

A major search operation took place on Monday evening at Lake Achensee in Tyrol. Numerous water rescue and fire department personnel were involved. Drones were also launched. However, the search was called off shortly before midnight without any results.

"We were alerted at 9.42 pm," says Lukas Fankhauser from Achensee Water Rescue in an interview with the "Krone". A caller had raised the alarm and claimed that a surfboard with a sail was floating in Lake Achensee near the Fürstenhaus.

Support requested
"We then alerted the water rescue teams from Innsbruck and Kramsach." According to Fankhauser, 32 members and five motorboats were ultimately on site. "A diving team was also on standby." 

Search aborted without result
The lake was systematically searched together with the Pertisau, Achenkirch and Eben fire departments. Drones and thermal imaging cameras were also used. At around 11.45 pm, the decision was made to call off the operation. "We didn't find the surfboard or any people", continued Fankhauser.

A further search operation is not planned for the time being. "We also have no reports of a missing person at the moment."