Under the influence of drugs

Major search operation for missing swimmer in Vienna

On Tuesday, a missing swimmer who had not resurfaced in Vienna's Kaiserwasser was found dead. The 29-year-old was able to swim but, according to a friend, had consumed alcohol and drugs immediately beforehand.

They had gone into the side arm of the Old Danube together shortly before 2.30 a.m. on Tuesday after celebrations. The 29-year-old did not reappear. His friend alerted the police. The emergency services immediately launched a search operation to find the missing man. 

Major operation on the Danube
In addition to a police boat and officers from the water police, several patrol crews, a police helicopter, fire department divers and a drone from the Vienna Fire Department were also deployed. Vienna's professional rescue service also took part in the search operation with its special task force.

Accident probable
The operation had to be called off after several hours, but was resumed in the morning. In the afternoon, the police finally announced that the missing man could only be recovered dead by divers. They ruled out the possibility of any outside involvement. The Viennese had previously been partying with his friend and had consumed both alcohol and drugs. Nevertheless, a post-mortem was suggested in order to clarify the exact cause of death.