Tragedy on the Danube: 24-year-old drowns during rescue attempt in Neu-Ulm

Tragedy on the Danube: 24-year-old drowns during rescue attempt in Neu-Ulm

A tragic incident occurred on Thursday, August 18, 2025, in the Danube near Neu-Ulm. A 24-year-old man drowned after going under on the banks of the Jahn. The rescue operation by the water rescue service was quick, but despite all efforts, the man later died in hospital.

The police received an emergency call shortly before 3 p.m. where witnesses reported that a person was in danger. The police, fire department and water rescue team arrived immediately. The divers from the water rescue service rescued the man in the afternoon near the Edwin Scharff House and brought him to the surface of the water at 3:22 p.m.

Rescue measures and their course

Resuscitation measures were immediately carried out on the bank and continued during transport to the clinic. Unfortunately, the 24-year-old later died in hospital. The exact circumstances of how the man got into the emergency are still unclear. However, it is believed that he underestimated the depth of the water on the gravel bank near the railway bridge.

The fire brigade and DLRG worked together with boats and water rescuers on the Ulm side for the rescue workers. The quick response was crucial, but there was another incident during the operation: two cyclists collided, with one having to be taken to hospital.

Warning of the dangers

Helmut Graf, spokesman for the Neu-Ulm water rescue service, took the opportunity to point out the dangers of swimming in rivers and lakes. He stressed that only safe swimmers should enter such waters. He also appealed to call 112 immediately in the event of a drowning accident in order to ensure quick help.

For more information about similar incidents and safety alerts, visit Swabian as well as Pornocarioca.