BOCHUM — A cyclist rescued four members of a family who nearly drowned in the Ruhr River in Bochum, Germany. All four individuals survived the incident, which occurred during a waterside barbecue.
The family of eight was gathered on the riverbank when one woman fell into the water. A second woman entered the river to help but also lost control in the current. Two additional relatives then entered the water in an attempt to assist, bringing the total number of people in the river to four. None of the four were able to swim.
The cyclist, who is also a doctor, pulled each of the four individuals from the water and administered first aid to one woman who was unconscious. Emergency services transported that woman to a hospital for immediate medical attention, while the other three sustained only minor injuries.
A family member alerted emergency authorities, prompting a response from local rescue teams. The German Life Saving Association (DLRG) dispatched a boat to the site, and the overall rescue operation lasted nearly two hours. Other family members on shore required assistance due to the psychological impact of witnessing their relatives in distress. "The relatives were deeply shaken by the incident after seeing their family members in mortal danger," a fire brigade spokesperson said.
Police have launched an investigation into the exact cause of the incident. In the aftermath, the local DLRG chapter and the fire brigade issued a renewed warning about the dangers of rivers and streams, particularly for non-swimmers. Swimming in the Ruhr River is considered life threatening due to its unpredictable currents, steep banks, and cold water temperatures. The fire brigade said in a statement, "Currents, steep banks and cold water temperatures can put even experienced people in danger." Officials advised the public to swim only in designated and supervised bathing areas in natural waters.