Herdecke (dpa / lnw) - Emergency services rescued around 80 people from a non-maneuverable excursion boat on the Ruhr near Herdecke. With three boats, the ship was pushed in the direction of the saving shore in sometimes strong winds, the fire brigade said on Friday. The passengers were unharmed, it was said about the joint action with the German Life Saving Society (DLRG).
According to the fire brigade, the skipper tried to stabilize the ship with a rope on the shore before the rescue workers arrived on Thursday afternoon. Active walkers on the bank are said to have helped him. However, the ship was repeatedly pushed away from the shore by strong winds.
The reason for the inability to maneuver was found quickly. Rubber parts had gotten caught in the ship's propeller, according to the fire brigade. These had been removed, after which the ship was ready to go again.
