Major operationDramatic rescue operation after boat accident on the Havel

Lars Bolle

 · 26.05.2025

After the accident, only the upper half of the rig is still sticking out of the water.
Photo: dpa/pa
A sailing boat with four people on board sank on the Havel near the Berlin island of Schwanenwerder on Saturday afternoon. One person who had become submerged was rescued by rescue workers and successfully resuscitated. The incident triggered a large-scale operation by the fire brigade, water rescue service and DLRG.

A dramatic incident occurred on the Havel on Saturday afternoon when a sailing boat with four people on board sank near the Berlin island of Schwanenwerder. One person became submerged and had to be rescued by rescue teams. Thanks to the rapid intervention of the German Red Cross Water Rescue Service, the person was successfully resuscitated on board a lifeboat. The incident triggered a large-scale operation involving the fire brigade, DRK water rescue service and DLRG.

After successful resuscitation, the rescued person was immediately taken to the western bank in the district of Kladow. There, an ambulance from Johanniter Unfallhilfe and the emergency doctor from the ADAC rescue helicopter provided further medical care. Another person suffered minor injuries in the accident, while the two other crew members of the sailing boat remained unharmed.

Large contingent of rescue workers

The incident triggered an extensive rescue operation. In addition to DLRG units, the multi-purpose boat from the Wannsee fire station was also deployed. Together with other members of the DRK water rescue service and the water police, they secured the scene of the accident and the sunken sailing boat with several boats. The technical service of the Berlin fire brigade and a fire engine from the training fire station were also involved at the scene.

Cause of accident unclear

The exact circumstances that led to the sailing yacht sinking are still unclear. According to initial police findings, a combination of unfavourable weather conditions and mishandling of the boat, which was crewed by four men, is believed to have led to the accident.

After the accident, only the mast of the yacht was still sticking out of the water. Once the immediate rescue and safety measures had been completed, the fire brigade handed over the scene to the water rescue service and the water police. They will carry out further investigations in the coming days and take care of the salvage of the sunken sailing boat.

History of the "Salamander"

Judging by the pictures, it was a 45 National Cruiser. It is apparently standing with its keel on the ground. Judging by the sail number, it is the "Salamander VI", the flagship of the Akademischer Verein Hütte e.V.

According to the Class Association of 45 National Cruisers, the "Salamander" was purchased in 1990 after the previous boat could no longer be saved due to rotten wood. The choice fell on a boat from Lake Chiemsee. The new "Salamander" was slightly modified with the intention of intensifying the regatta sport. A traveller was installed and the sheet guide changed, spinnaker fittings were added, the backstays were moved for this reason and all halyards and outhauls were redirected to the cockpit. In addition, the bow tip was fitted with a stainless steel cap. On 7 September 1991, the new 45 was christened "Salamander VI".


Most read in category Special