Seenot: Lake Constance: number of shipping accidents increased slightly
Pascal Schürmann
· 08.03.2022
Last year, a total of 173 accidents occurred on the 536 square kilometres of Lake Constance and on the 21-kilometre section of the High Rhine up to Schaffhausen, ten more than in the previous year. Most of the accidents - 95 - occurred on the section of the lake belonging to Baden-Württemberg. The vast majority of accidents also involved ships: A total of 123 accidents were registered. In the 2020 water sports season, which was significantly restricted due to coronavirus, there were 116 accidents, compared to 141 shipping accidents in 2019.
These and other figures were recently presented by the heads of the maritime and waterway police from Lindau, Vorarlberg, St. Gallen, Thurgau, Schaffhausen and Baden-Württemberg (Constance, Überlingen and Friedrichshafen). According to the report, 73 motorboats, 58 sailing boats, 12 rowing boats, 5 commercial vessels, 3 surfers and 1 kitesurfer were involved in the shipping accidents. The remaining accidents were caused by bathers and divers.
The number of deployments in the storm warning service rose to 390 last year (2020: 309 deployments), while the number of deployments in the sea rescue service increased from 420 to 450. 468 people (previous year: 472) were rescued from distress at sea by the maritime and waterway police. Without their help, they would not have reached the shore under their own steam. 298 boats (previous year: 244) had to be rescued by the rescue services.
In connection with the shipping accidents, 20 people were injured and one person is missing. The damage caused by the shipping accidents totalled around 627,000 euros. In the previous year, this amount was slightly lower at 597,000 euros. In addition, there were 25 cases of damage to boats moored in harbours or on buoys in 2021. The resulting material damage totalled around 310,000 euros.
According to the lake police, two thirds of shipping accidents occurred near the harbour or jetty or in areas close to the shore. In contrast, there were only a few accidents out on the lake.
There were no fatal accidents in connection with boat accidents last year. Nevertheless, 15 people lost their lives on Lake Constance and the High Rhine (previous year: 13 people) and 33 were injured (previous year: 35). Of the fatalities, 13 were swimmers or bathers and the other two were divers.
With a view to the upcoming 2022 water sports season, the authorities strongly advise you to observe the following points:
- Have rescue equipment ready and put it on in good time.
- Ensure that the minimum equipment is complete and in working order.
- Monitor the weather situation and the weather reports.
- In the event of an emergency on Lake Constance, use the international emergency number 112 and, if necessary, emergency channel 16 on VHF radio.
- Pay attention to accident prevention on board (avoid tripping hazards, take a safe seat, use handholds for safe standing).
- As a water sports enthusiast, find out about the applicable regulations.
- Check the licence of your boat as well as the gas and electrical systems.
- Protect your boat against theft and burglary and report any suspicious behaviour to the police immediately.
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Pascal Schürmann
Editor YACHT
