Berlin, February 2 – A man was found dead in the Biesdorf Baggersee on Thursday, leading to renewed and urgent warnings from Berlin police and fire department against entering seemingly frozen bodies of water. This tragic incident highlights the extreme danger posed by thin ice, even during periods of sustained sub-zero temperatures.
Man Found Dead in Biesdorf Baggersee
The lifeless body of a man was recovered from Biesdorf Baggersee on Thursday, following an incident on Monday where another person was rescued alive from Wannsee. The Berlin public prosecutor’s office has initiated an investigation into the death to determine the exact cause and circumstances. As of now, the identity of the deceased remains unknown.
Police and Fire Department Issue Stern Warnings
Despite Berlin entering another icy winter week with constant sub-zero temperatures, authorities stress that the frozen surfaces of the city’s numerous lakes and waterways are highly deceptive and unsafe. The water police explicitly advise against ice skating and walking across frozen surfaces from shore to shore. They categorically do not clear any ice surfaces in Berlin for public use, aiming to minimize the risk to groups of people and day-trippers. In previous years, police have even deployed helicopters to deter defiant individuals from venturing onto frozen waters with low-altitude flights.
“Ice Patrols” and Equipment for Rescue Operations
According to information obtained by this editorial team, the police are currently deploying “ice patrol” vehicles this week. These specially equipped units monitor dangerous water spots and measure ice thickness. These ice patrol vehicles are outfitted for potential rescue operations, including cold protection suits that allow rescue teams to enter icy water.
Hidden Dangers: Cracks and Varying Ice Thickness
The Senate Department for Environment also warns that for an ice surface on a lake to safely support a person, it requires a minimum ice thickness of 15 centimeters, necessitating several weeks of continuous frost. This condition has not yet been met. Furthermore, the entire body of water in a lake must cool to four degrees Celsius, which takes a considerable amount of time for Berlin’s generally large lakes. The deceptive nature of the ice is compounded by the fact that seemingly safe ice sheets may form at some shorelines. “This is misleading,” explained an expert. “Trees and plants create cracks that are not visible to the naked eye.”
The thickness of the ice is influenced by numerous other factors, including water flow speed, inflowing wastewater, sunlight, and shipping traffic, as stated by the Senate Department for Environment.
Safety Recommendations for the Public
The Berlin police advise anyone who still ventures onto the ice to do so at their own risk and to observe several fundamental safety measures. The most crucial rules are: “Never go on the ice alone, in the dark, or in poor visibility!” Additionally, flowing waters and ice surfaces under bridges should be avoided.
The Berlin Fire Department also strongly advises against entering frozen surfaces. If you break through the ice yourself, it is crucial not to panic, a fire department spokesperson stated upon inquiry: “Try to keep your head above water, pull yourself back onto as wide a piece of ice as possible, and carefully crawl to the shore.”
How to Help Someone Who Has Broken Through the Ice
If someone else has broken through the ice, rescuers should take care not to put themselves in danger. The first priority is to contact the fire department via emergency number 112 or the police via 110. “If possible, attempt a rescue from the shore, for example, with a pole, a rescue ladder, a rope, or a lifebuoy,” the fire department advises. Fortunately, the majority of Berlin residents have been sensible so far. The fire department reported that in the past, extremely cold week, they only had to respond to two incidents to rescue people who had broken through the ice.
Fire Department Under Strain: Limited Resources and High Demand
The Berlin Fire Department is grappling with significant challenges, including a shortage of new recruits and a backlog of investments. These issues contribute to an already strained system, as highlighted by recent reports. The department has also seen a high number of emergency calls, with exclusive figures revealing the extent of their workload. The debate around the effectiveness of bodycams for police and fire department personnel also continues, with a recent study casting doubt on their benefits. Furthermore, the department has faced unusual incidents, such as spectacular burglaries by organized crime groups targeting fire stations.
One Fatality in a Week of Ice-Related Incidents
While one person was successfully rescued alive from Wannsee on Monday, the discovery of the man’s body in Biesdorf Baggersee on Thursday serves as a stark reminder of the deadly risks associated with venturing onto unsafe ice. The public prosecutor’s office will continue its investigation into this tragic event.
Source: https://www.morgenpost.de/berlin/article411092936/eis-und-frost-polizei-warnt-vor-gefaehrlicher-situation-an-berlins-seen.html
