Fatal paddle boat accident: 53-year-old dies on the men's day!

Fatal paddle boat accident: 53-year-old dies on the men's day!

Crivitz, Deutschland - on the men's day, May 29, 2025, a tragic incident occurred on Lake Barnin in Crivitz, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. A 53-year-old died in a paddle boat accident. Together with a 55-year-old companion, he was on the water when the boat was able to capsize around 2:30 p.m. An emergency call was discontinued, but for the 53-year-old, who was recovered lifeless, any help came too late. At the time of the accident, the boat operator had a breath alcohol value of 1.25 per thousand, which must be added to the ongoing investigations by the police in this context. The exact circumstances of the accident are currently still unclear, and the recovery of the fully capsized boat is still pending, reports the Ostsee Zeitung.

The incident not only represents an individual tragic loss, but also raises questions about security on the waters of Mecklenburg's Western Pomerania. More and more people are using the warm months to pursue their water sports and leisure activities. However, you should be aware of the applicable legal provisions that regulate the consumption of alcoholic beverages on the water.

safety regulations on the water

German shipping law determines clear regulations that apply to all water vehicles, including sports boats and paddle boats. The alcohol limit, which is 0.5 per thousand for most waterways, is particularly important. Slightly increased values ​​of 0.8 per thousand apply to Lake Constance, while only 0.2 per thousand are allowed in border waters. It is alarming that criminal consequences can be expected from a value of 0.3 per thousand, as the website has explained.

In the case of the boat leader, who caused the accident on the men's day, the breath alcohol value significantly exceeds the permissible border. This addresses an important topic: the dangers that alcohol at the wheel, even on watercraft can recover. Those who blame their own carelessness runs the risk of not only endangering their own life, but also that of others. This is underlined by another accident on the same day at Greifswald when two paddle boats and a motor boat also capsized, and alcohol played a role because the motor boat driver had a value of 1.7 per thousand.

The water protection police regularly check compliance with these regulations and the punishments for violations can be significant. In inland navigation they are between 350 and 2,500 euros, and between 750 and 2,500 euros in the lake system. In the worst case, there may be license withdrawal or even prison terms. Damage caused under the influence of alcohol are also not covered by liability insurance, which means further consequences for those affected.

The fatal incident on Lake Barnin illustrates how important it is to make prudent and responsible decisions while moving on the water. Security should always be the top priority, and the consumption of alcohol must be considered extremely critically in this context. Both leisure captains and passengers are remembered that careful action and compliance with the regulations are vital.