Abandoned swim gear triggers large search at Lake Wallersee

Abandoned swim gear at Lake Wallersee near Seekirchen triggered a large search operation after rescuers feared someone was missing in the water, ORF reported. Two helicopters joined the response, but no missing person was found.

The search began at about 1 p.m. at Seekirchen lido after a towel and bathing shoes were discovered on the shore. Around 40 firefighters from Seekirchen took part, alongside a boat crew from the Henndorf fire brigade, divers from Salzburg’s professional fire brigade, Wallersee water rescue volunteers, police with a boat, the Red Cross and an emergency doctor. A police helicopter and the Christophorus 6 emergency medical helicopter were also deployed.

The lake was searched for almost two hours. Salzburg water rescue said neither its sonar equipment nor a surface search found any sign of a missing person. Police had also received no missing-person report, and the operation was called off without results at about 3 p.m.

Water rescue officials asked anyone missing the swim gear to contact police or Wallersee water rescue.