Lower Austria: Serious Boat Accident on the Danube Leaves Several Injured

Six people were injured in the serious boat accident on the Danube near Klosterneuburg in Lower Austria, as reported by the district fire command Tulln.

Severely Injured in Boat Accident on Danube in Lower Austria

A man suffered severe injuries - according to information from the emergency services, he likely got his legs caught in the propeller when he fell into the water. The cause of the boat accident was apparently a failed evasive maneuver, according to the police. A total of ten people were on board the two sports boats. The accident, which led to a major operation by the fire department, rescue services, and police, occurred between the ferry and the inlet structure in Klosterneuburg. The injured were initially treated by the rescue service and then taken to nearby hospitals.

According to a statement from the Vienna State Police Directorate, there were six people on one of the boats: a 58-year-old Austrian boat operator, two relatives aged 14 and 40, and another family with three people aged between twelve and 55. On the second boat was a 46-year-old operator, also from Austria, and three relatives aged ten to 42. He was towing an inflatable water sports device - a so-called banana - with his vehicle. Two children aged twelve and 14 were sitting on it. According to initial witness statements, the 58-year-old tried to turn his boat while the 46-year-old was driving straight ahead.

Both boat operators reportedly recognized the impending boat accident but apparently swerved in the same direction. As a result, according to initial investigation results, a collision occurred. The 58-year-old collided with the front of his boat against the stern of the other, whose helmsman was thrown overboard. He got his legs caught in the propellers and suffered severe injuries. According to the police, the man was rescued unconscious from the water by witnesses. Both vehicles were significantly damaged. One was so severely damaged that it partially sank.

Investigations After Serious Boat Accident on Danube

The watercraft were subsequently brought to shore. The Klosterneuburg City Volunteer Fire Department lifted the damaged boats out of the water using special equipment. On the orders of the Korneuburg public prosecutor's office, they were then securely parked in the city area. The investigations were not yet completed. The exact course of the accident is still under investigation, it was said. In total, around 50 emergency personnel with twelve vehicles and four boats were involved. In addition to the fire department, police, and rescue organizations, divers from the Vienna professional fire department were also involved. The ÖAMTC emergency medical helicopter Christophorus 9 and a police helicopter also supported the operations.

(APA/Red)

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