Fatal inflatable boat trip: charges brought against rental company
More than two years after a fatal excursion with an inflatable boat at a weir on the Neisse near Görlitz, a 34-year-old man has been charged with involuntary manslaughter. As the manager of a boat rental company, the man failed to prevent an inexperienced boat crew from navigating the weir with an inflatable boat, the Dresden public prosecutor's office announced on Thursday. The accused should have known that due to the high water level, the trip on the Neisse should only begin below the weir.
A 62-year-old man had rented a rubber dinghy with three work colleagues at the end of August 2021 and capsized at the height of a weir. While the three colleagues were able to save themselves on the bank, the 62-year-old was caught under the water roller of the weir and drowned.
The Dresden district court must now decide whether to open the main proceedings and whether to admit the charges.
During their leisure time, unfortunately, the rental company's neglect led to an emergency situation. The crime of involuntary manslaughter was allegedly committed due to the company's failure to adhere to safety regulations during the fatal boat trip.
Source: www.dpa.com
