Major operation at Walchsee: Missing Pole triggers search operation

During the event, his colleagues noticed that the man had disappeared and raised the alarm. Several emergency personnel were dispatched to search for him. The Pole had ultimately ended up on the terrace of the accommodation, where he could not get in because he had forgotten the access code.

Background: Company fire brigade competition in Walchsee

The water rescue Kufstein with eight emergency personnel and two boats as well as the fire departments Walchsee, Kufstein and Kirchbichl with a total of 38 emergency personnel were deployed. A total of 46 helpers were thus involved in the search.

The major operation at Walchsee ultimately turned out to be harmless because the missing person was not in any emergency situation. After being found, the man was able to apologize to the emergency personnel and his colleagues for the false alarm. The helpers expressed relief over the happy outcome.

The incident occurred as part of a company fire brigade competition of the professional fire department Innsbruck in Walchsee. Such competitions serve for training and mutual exchange among fire brigade members. Had the Pole actually been in difficulty, the firefighters present could have intervened quickly.

Emergency personnel and course of the search operation

According to those involved, a police operation was not required. The event could be continued after the brief interruption. The incident had no consequences overall for the participants of the competition.

The emergency personnel withdrew late in the evening. The residents of the Walchsee area had been informed about the search, but no one had been seriously alarmed. The mayor and tourism officials did not comment further on the incident.

The hotelier of the "Seehof" expressed relief that the employee had reappeared safe and sound. The man had simply forgotten the access code for the terrace door and had waited there until his colleagues missed him and got help. One of his companions told the hotelier that they had initially not been worried because the Pole had still been seen in the vicinity at first.

Finding of the missing person and reaction of those involved

The emergency personnel arrived at Walchsee within a short time, including the water rescue with their boats. The fire departments Walchsee, Kufstein and Kirchbichl dispatched a total of 38 helpers. The professional and routine cooperation of the emergency organizations had worked smoothly, those involved reported.

The Pole could not end the search operation on his own because his mobile phone was apparently not charged. The emergency personnel finally found him on the rear terrace of the hotel, where he was sitting uninjured. He was examined medically and was then allowed to return to his colleagues.

The professional fire department of Innsbruck did not wish to comment further on the exact circumstances of the incident. The company fire brigade competition took place on Friday as planned, and the participants continued it after a short interruption. The other members of the delegation were also understanding.

The incident is a reminder of how important clear communication among colleagues is at events. After all, a simply forgotten door code triggered a major operation with fifty emergency personnel. The authorities classify the incident as a misunderstanding and see no further need for action.