Following intensive search efforts, authorities temporarily suspended the operation on Tuesday. Police are now asking for public assistance.
Case Background
The man had rented the electric boat at 4 PM Monday from Gstadt on the lake’s western shore for two hours. When he didn’t return as scheduled, a sailor noticed the unmanned boat floating between Fraueninsel and Gstadt and alerted police.
Large-Scale Search Operation
After the sailor’s report, police launched an extensive search:
- Deployment of 8 water rescue boats (some with sonar equipment)
- Assistance from volunteer fire departments
- Support from police mounted patrols
- Aerial search with police helicopter
Water police only located the abandoned electric boat in reeds along the western shore. With no results from Tuesday’s 7 AM search efforts, operations were temporarily suspended.
Police Appeal
Investigators urgently request witness information:
- Did anyone see the 39-year-old on Lake Chiemsee Monday afternoon?
- Were there any possible boat accident sightings?
- Any other relevant information about the missing person
Tips can be reported to police via emergency hotlines.
