Boat trip on Lake Constance

Man (29) drowns in front of his family

The emergency services were quickly on the scene, but were no longer able to help.(Bild: Wasserrettung Vorarlberg)

A terrible swimming accident occurred on Saturday afternoon on Lake Constance off Bregenz. A man was out on a rented motorboat with his girlfriend and their two children when disaster struck.

It was supposed to be a wonderful trip with the patchwork family when a 29-year-old man rented a motorboat in Lindau on Saturday afternoon.

Together with his 35-year-old girlfriend and her children (aged twelve and six), the man, who lives in Germany, took the boat towards the "Pipeline" beach section between Lochau and Bregenz.

The emergency services arrived quickly, but were unable to help.(Bild: Wasserrettung Vorarlberg)

The young man then went for a swim in the water a good ten to 15 meters from the shore. At around 6.45 p.m., for reasons as yet unexplained, he got into difficulties and was in danger of sinking.

Rescue attempts by his girlfriend and her children were unsuccessful. Several people were alerted by cries for help and searched in vain in the water for the drowning man.

No chance despite quick rescue
The rescue and fire department control center (RFL) was notified by a witness on the shore. Divers from the water rescue service were able to rescue the lifeless 29-year-old from the water at 6.55 pm, exactly nine minutes after the alarm was raised.

Resuscitation measures were initiated immediately. Resuscitation by the emergency doctor continued until the patient was taken to Bregenz Regional Hospital, but was unsuccessful.