Two sailors dead after competition boat capsizes on Lake Constance
Published: Sunday, Dec 1st 2024, 16:00
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Two sailors died at the weekend on their way to a regatta on Lake Constance. The men were found in the lake off Münsterlingen TG on Saturday afternoon, according to investigators. They could only be recovered dead.
According to the organizers, the 38 and 39-year-old sailors were on their way to the "Regatta of the Iron". The competition planned for Saturday was canceled due to the accident.
The German and the Brit started in Friedrichshafen on Friday. From there, they wanted to sail the 20 kilometers to Constance, where the race was to take place a day later. What happened next is unclear.
The only thing that is certain is that the two never arrived. They were therefore reported missing. An initial police search was unsuccessful. It was only on Saturday morning that witnesses discovered the capsized boat off the Swiss shore of Lake Constance and informed the authorities, it was reported.
Several ships and rescue teams from Germany, Switzerland and Austria were involved in the subsequent search. Hopes of finding the two men alive were dashed. It was initially unclear exactly how they died. The Kreuzlingen public prosecutor's office has opened proceedings to clarify the circumstances.
Winter conditions
The "Iron Regatta" traditionally takes place on Lake Constance off the coast of Constance. At its premiere in 1975, only a few boats took part - according to the organizer, it is now one of the largest inland regattas in Europe. On average, more than 220 boats from Germany, Austria and Switzerland take part every year.
Some sailors put on a Santa Claus costume for the regatta - or put a Christmas tree on deck. At this time of year, the participants in the race sometimes have to contend with driving snow, icy decks and fog. According to the regatta director, the water temperature of Lake Constance was around eight degrees on Saturday.
Lake Constance is considered a treacherous area by sailors and other water sports enthusiasts. Partly due to its proximity to the Alps, the weather here can change quickly. The Föhn wind and sudden squalls during summer thunderstorms are dangerous.
©Keystone/SDA
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