An abrupt end to a theft spree: at the Griesheim lock in Frankfurt, a pleasure boat plunged several metres down the weir and capsized. The two boat occupants, aged 17 and 22, sustained minor injuries. According to the owner, they had previously stolen the boat during a fake test run. According to the police, the two men involved in the accident were under the influence of alcohol and drugs at the time of the incident.
The incident had already taken place last week. According to a statement from the Hessian Police Headquarters, the accident took place on Wednesday evening at around 8 pm. The two men were steering the pleasure boat downstream on the River Main. When they reached the Griesheim lock, they apparently failed to pay attention to the course of the river.
Instead of heading for the lock chamber, they headed straight for the weir without stopping. The boat must apparently have been travelling at sufficient speed to slide over the edge of the weir and plunge approximately three to four metres into the water below. As a result of the fall, the boat capsized, and both occupants sustained minor injuries.
Fire brigade rescue crews eventually pulled the men out of the water and brought them ashore. The boat remained in the river for the time being, with fuel leaking from it. The police later made arrangements for its recovery. There were no restrictions on lock traffic.
Stolen boat and suspected drug offences
Shortly after the accident, the boat’s owner contacted the police to report it as stolen. It transpired that the two victims had told him they were interested in buying the boat. They had then set off on a test sail, from which they did not return.
The police took the two men to a police station. According to initial investigations, they were under the influence of alcohol and drugs whilst driving. The police investigation is ongoing, the Hessian Police Headquarters has further reported.
Dangers posed by weirs and lock systems
The accident at the Griesheim lock once again highlights the dangers posed by weirs, lock systems and barrages to recreational boating. Anyone travelling downstream from Frankfurt city centre cannot see the waterfall – but there are signs warning of it.
As a general rule, boat skippers must always pay attention to the route and the signage. Recreational boaters should familiarise themselves with the route before each trip and, as a general rule, approach weirs and locks with caution.
Pascal Schürmann
Editor YACHT
