Drama in Hamburg: Two swimmers missing – rescue workers on duty!

Drama in Hamburg: Two swimmers missing – rescue workers on duty!

Tragic swimming accidents are causing great concern in Hamburg. On a single Sunday, August 31, 2025, the city recorded several rescue operations in its waters. A 56-year-old woman was thrown into the Alster at a rowing club dock. Despite immediate resuscitation by rescue workers, her life could not be saved; the emergency doctor pronounced death. At the same time, another person went missing in the “Hinterm Horn” swimming lake in Allermöhe. Relatives reported that someone had disappeared in the water, which led to an operation by fire department divers that lasted until the evening. In Blankenese, too, a passer-by reported a very drunk man who had gone into the Elbe, whereupon a large-scale operation by rescue workers began, which was also unsuccessful. This is what the NDR reports: NDR.

The rescue workers were active in intensive operations at various locations in and around Hamburg. There were around 40 to 50 emergency services in the boat in the waters of the Elbe, Alster and Allermöhe. While the search in the Elbe and in Allermöhe was unsuccessful, the divers discovered a lifeless body under water during operations on the Alster. Emergency doctors and paramedics carried out unsuccessful resuscitation attempts. The identity of this person is currently being determined Time reported.

Preventive measures and framework conditions

Both in the wake of the tragic incidents and in the context of the safety of swimming on Hamburg's waters, the dangers of swimming in the Elbe are repeatedly discussed. Even though swimming there is not generally prohibited, swimmers are strongly advised not to. The dangers of the busy river are often underestimated and repeatedly lead to fatal swimming accidents. The city's responsible economic authority is now considering measures to increase safety on the waterfront. This is an important discussion at a time when more and more people want to go to the cool water to cool off on hot days.

Like Dr. Mörsdorf-Kroll from the Freiburg University Hospital warns that swimmers should pay particular attention to certain risks when swimming. A cold shock when jumping into cold water can put dangerous strain on the circulatory system and even lead to unconsciousness. Muscle cramps, which mainly occur when you overestimate yourself or overexert yourself, also increase the risk of an accident. It is also important to know that drowning people are often unable to call for help; they drown in silence. A set of bathing rules to prevent accidents can save lives. Dr. Mörsdorf-Kroll advises:

• Vor dem Schwimmen abkühlen, um einen Kälteschock zu vermeiden.
• Niemals allein ins Wasser gehen, um im Notfall schnell Hilfe rufen zu können.
• Eigene Fähigkeiten bezüglich Strömungen und Distanzen realistisch einschätzen.

In the event of an emergency, you should also ask to be thrown to a floating object instead of rashly jumping into the water yourself. This could be crucial in rescuing affected people.