Andreas F., 65, an experienced skipper from Berlin-Zehlendorf, and Thomas B., 71, a renowned lawyer from Schöneberg, set off for Norway in July 2024. Their destination was the International Multihull Meeting in the harbour of Horten - an event for lovers of fast, sporty multihulls. The pair completed the outward journey on the trimaran "Jolly Rose", a private F-24 trimaran owned by Andreas F., without incident. The days in Horten were also calm. Both men had decades of friendship, sailing experience and mutual trust. However, what happened on the way back across the Kattegat not only shook the German sailing scene, but has now also brought them to justice.
Around 13 nautical miles west of the Gothenburg archipelago, an argument on board the Jolly Rose escalated on 1 August. It is not yet clear exactly what led to the break-up - there are indications of a heated exchange of words, physical altercations and possibly deeper-rooted conflicts. What the investigating authorities have reconstructed, however, is that Andreas F. is said to have hit his friend on the head several times with a metal object. Thomas B. fell overboard seriously injured.
Alleged attempts to help
At first, F. is said to have helped his companion to get back on deck. But the conflict continued to flare up. Shortly afterwards, Thomas B. was in the water again. Witnesses reported how he tried to reach a thrown lifebuoy from another yacht. But Andreas F. jumped in after him - allegedly to help. According to the indictment, however, he pushed his friend under in the water - first by the shoulders, then by the head. Thomas B. lost consciousness. Despite the rapid arrival of a neighbouring boat and a rescue helicopter, the sailor could not be saved. He died that same night.
The Swedish authorities reacted immediately. Andreas F. was arrested while still on board. The public prosecutor's office applied for an arrest warrant on suspicion of murder - partly due to the risk of absconding and concerns that evidence could be destroyed. In spring 2025, the case was handed over to the Berlin judiciary. F. has now been on trial in Berlin since July - on charges of causing grievous bodily harm resulting in death and treacherous murder.
Many questions in the process
The defence speaks of a tragic accident, of a failed rescue attempt in panic. The prosecution, on the other hand, argues that it was a deliberate act of violence - motivated by an escalating dispute, carried out with deadly determination and taking advantage of the victim's helpless position in the water.
The Berlin Regional Court has initially scheduled twelve trial days, with the judgement expected in October. While the lawyers in the courtroom wrestle with the motives for the offence and the evidence, the sailors are left stunned. Two men, a boat, the open sea - and a situation from which there was no turning back.
Jan-Ole Puls
Editor Test & Technology
