Munich, July 26 – Police, fire department, and water rescue teams were called to the Isar River near Munich twice on Saturday, July 26, after two groups in rubber boats found themselves in distress near the Großhesselohe weir. Both incidents, occurring within hours of each other, saw boats entering the dangerous weir current, leading to rescues and subsequent police investigations.
First Incident: Seven People, One Capsized Boat, Alcohol Involved
The first incident was reported around 4:55 PM. A group of seven individuals in multiple rubber boats failed to switch to the designated Isar-Werkkanal near Großhesselohe, instead continuing down the main river towards the weir. The leading boat capsized in the weir’s strong current, throwing a 29-year-old woman and a 33-year-old man into the water. They were unable to free themselves and were rescued by five occupants of the second boat, aged 28, 29, 33 (two individuals), and 34.
According to reports from the Münchner Merkur, police found that the two individuals from the capsized boat had blood alcohol levels exceeding 0.5 per mille. Police Inspectorate 32 (Grünwald) has launched an investigation into potential violations of the Bavarian Water Act.
Second Incident: Three Men, One Rescue by Fire Department
Just over five hours later, a second, nearly identical incident occurred involving three men aged 22, 26, and 40. They, too, missed the turn-off for the Isar-Werkkanal at Großhesselohe and were carried into the weir’s current. The two older men managed to reach the riverbank on their own. However, the 22-year-old became trapped in the current with the boat and had to be rescued by the fire department using a lifebuoy. The boat was subsequently recovered by the fire department.
Dangerous Stretch of the Isar River
The incidents highlight the dangers of navigating the Isar River, particularly near weirs, where strong currents and specific regulations regarding designated channels must be observed. While all individuals involved in both incidents were ultimately unharmed, the events serve as a stark reminder of the potential hazards of recreational activities on the river when safety guidelines are not followed.
The police have not yet released further details on the ongoing investigations, but these incidents underscore the importance of caution and adherence to local regulations for anyone using the Isar River for recreational purposes.
Source: https://www.augsburger-allgemeine.de/bayern/polizei-feuerwehr-und-wasserwacht-an-der-isar-bei-muenchen-im-doppelten-schlauchboot-einsatz-114869581
