Overview
- Investigators report that strong waves, likely generated by a nearby tank ship and a cargo motor vessel that passed too close, caused two rowing shells to overturn.
- Ten members of a 20-person group from a Speyer rowing club fell into the Rhine during an outing toward Worms, with water temperatures around 4.2°C.
- The incident occurred on a river bend during a period of low water and heavy traffic, factors noted by police as part of the circumstances.
- Fellow rowers helped the victims reach shore before firefighters and the water police ferried those affected to a nearby beach for treatment by emergency services.
- Police say the water police are continuing to search for the sunken boats as the investigation into the exact sequence of events proceeds.