World · Europe · 4 hrs ago
German tourist dies after becoming ill while freeing boat anchor in Sardinia
A 69-year-old German tourist died at Cala Mariolu on Sardinia’s coast on October 17.
He was on a family outing in a rented inflatable boat when its anchor became stuck on the seabed.
He became ill while trying to free the anchor after spending the morning at the beach.
A nearby boat renter, who also worked with a local volunteer rescue group, brought him aboard and began first aid.
Rescuers took him to Dorgali, where ambulance staff and a medical team arriving by helicopter continued attempts to revive him.
The rescue efforts did not save him, and his body was taken to a mortuary in Dorgali.
A 69-year-old German tourist died after becoming ill in the water at Cala Mariolu, on Sardinia’s coast near Baunei.
He had been on a rented inflatable boat with his family and was trying to free its anchor, which had become stuck on the seabed.
A nearby boat-rental operator helped him and began first-aid efforts as medical responders and an emergency helicopter were called.
Rescuers continued resuscitation attempts at the port of Dorgali, but they were unsuccessful.
One report said the tourist may have suffered a heart attack; the cause was not confirmed in the other reports.
- Who
- A 69-year-old German tourist.
- What
- He died after becoming ill while trying to free a stuck boat anchor. One report described a suspected heart attack.
- When
- October 17, 2026. Reports differ on whether the incident happened in the morning or afternoon.
- Where
- Cala Mariolu, on the coast near Baunei, Sardinia; he was taken to the port of Dorgali.
- Why
- He had entered the water to free the anchor, which was stuck on the seabed. The cause of his illness was not confirmed.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A German family rented an inflatable boat and went to Cala Mariolu.
The 69-year-old entered the water to free the stuck anchor and became ill.
A nearby boat-rental operator took him aboard and began rescue efforts as medical responders and a helicopter were called.
Rescuers continued attempts to revive him, but he died.
- Age
- 69
- Nationality
- German
- Location of incident
- Cala Mariolu, near Baunei, Sardinia
- Boat
- Rented inflatable boat
- Rescue destination
- Port of Dorgali
- Date
- October 17, 2026