Thunderstorm on Lake Constance: 65-year-old woman falls overboard and dies

According to police reports, the couple were out on Lake Constance in a motorboat on Wednesday evening (5 August 2026). As a thunderstorm was brewing, they set off back to their home harbour. However, before they reached it, the conditions deteriorated dramatically.

Heavy rain and high waves made the situation more difficult. At that moment, the 65-year-old woman fell overboard. Her 68-year-old husband lost sight of her in the waves and immediately made an emergency call.

International search operation involving around 200 personnel

Due to the vast search area off Kressbronn, the authorities issued an international maritime distress alert. Around 200 emergency personnel from Germany, Austria and Switzerland took part in the search. Among those involved were the German Water Safety Police, the Austrian Water Police, the Swiss Lake Police, the fire service, the DLRG and the SLRG. A helicopter and a search dog team also assisted with the rescue operations.

The active search was called off at around 9.45 pm on Wednesday evening. On Thursday morning, two witnesses spotted an unresponsive person in the water near Langenargen. Emergency services recovered the woman, but an emergency doctor could only confirm that she had died. Identification confirmed that she was the missing person.

Sudden changes in the weather on Lake Constance can become dangerous within minutes

The accident occurred during weather conditions of the sort that are common on Alpine lakes. In summer in particular, thunderstorm cells can generate strong gusts, heavy rain and steep swells within a short space of time. Föhn conditions can also transform Lake Constance from calm waters into a challenging sailing area within a matter of minutes.

There is therefore a standardised storm warning system in place for Lake Constance. Along the shore, orange warning lights provide information on the current weather conditions. They operate on a two-stage system: in the event of a strong wind warning, the lights flash 40 times a minute; in the event of a storm warning, they flash 90 times a minute. The warning system covers the three lake areas – West, Central and East – and is usually in operation daily from 6 am to 10 pm during the water sports season, which generally runs from early April to late October.

Take warnings seriously at an early stage

​Recommendations for action regarding Lake Constance:

• Keep a close eye on storm warning lights: Not just when setting off, but throughout the entire journey. Conditions can change within minutes.
• If a strong wind warning is issued, assess the situation immediately, whether the next safe harbour can still be reached safely and, if in doubt, to head for it before the weather forces a decision.
• Attach the safety line, as soon as the conditions become rougher. Always ensure you avoid going overboard.
• Don’t underestimate Lake Constance: The short, steep waves on the lake build up quickly and are more treacherous than many people realise. From on board, it is often difficult to gauge the force of an approaching storm front.
• Adjusting the course and changing direction take time. Anyone who only reacts once the front is directly over the ship has already lost that margin for manoeuvre.

More on this topic:

• ​Life hacks: The best reader tips for safety on board
• ​Rescue systems put to the test: MOB – how to get back on deck
• ​Sailing apps: The best weather apps for the 2026 season