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Bremen’s Eiswette Briefly Halted for Real River Rescue During Annual Probe

The centuries-old ritual doubles as a fundraiser for Germany’s sea rescue service.

Overview

  • Police said a 45-year-old woman was reported swimming in the Weser around 12:10 near the boat harbor and was pulled from the water by DGzRS rescuers.
  • The woman resisted after reaching shore and was restrained by responders before being taken to psychiatric care, according to a police spokesperson.
  • Rescue helicopter Christoph 6 circled the scene and the lifeboat Hermann Rudolf Meyer deployed as the emergency interrupted the program.
  • The ceremony then proceeded before several hundred spectators at Punkendeich, with the tailor weighed, the iron confirmed hot, and a boat crossing leading to the usual verdict that the river is not frozen.
  • Originating in 1829, the event culminates in a January 17 feast at Bremen’s Congress Centrum and raises donations for the DGzRS, with €607,764 reported in 2025.