Saarbrücken: Man falls into icy Saar river

A 61-year-old man survived a fall into the icy Saar river near the Güdingen lock in Saarbrücken on Wednesday evening. According to police, the man was on his way home and appeared to be intoxicated when he fell into the water while attempting to urinate.

Despite the water temperature being approximately 9 degrees Celsius, the man managed to call for help while still in the river. Passersby also alerted emergency services. By the time rescuers arrived, the man had already managed to reach the shore, though he was found by police in a bush near the lock, soaked and suffering from severe hypothermia.

Approximately 50 personnel from the fire department, police, and emergency services participated in the rescue operation. The man was transported to a hospital in Saarbrücken for treatment. Police stated that his condition is not life-threatening.