Secrets of Lake Constance: A look at forgotten shallow and mysterious finds

<p> <strong> Secrets of Lake Constance: A look at forgotten shallow and mysterious finds </strong> </p>

The Lake Constance, often advertised as a fantastic holiday destination, has a surprising and terrifying story deep in the mysterious water. At up to 250 meters deep, objects and relics that may not belong there will collect over the years. The lake is particularly affected as the final resting place for many people.

The number of people missing in Lake Constance is currently at least 99, as the water protection police in Göppingen reports. "These are missing swimmers or people who were killed in accidents and suicides," explains Markus Zengerle, head of the water protection police in Überlingen. For the list in question, which has been led since 1947, the number of unreported cases is high and remains uncertain to this day.

shipwrecks and other objects

When the waves are calm and the sun is shining, the Lake Constance is like a colorful water landscape full of ferries, sailing boats and motor yachts. But there are hundreds of wrecks below the water surface. Martin Wessels, deputy head of the lake research institute in Langenargen, estimates the number of these sunken ships, but cannot indicate a precise statement. The best known case is the shovel wheel steamer "Jura", which collided and sank with the "City of Zurich" in 1864. Despite the efforts to rescue, there are numerous remains sunk in the cold water, including memories of tragedies, such as the three corpses of a plane crash from 1994.

The variety of the finds is almost incredible. Divers have not only discovered historical wrecks, but also objects of everyday life that actually have nothing to look for in the lake. Among them are bicycles, chairs, and sometimes cars that came to the lake for various reasons. "There are three car wrecks in front of Meersburg alone," said Moldon, an experienced diver. What exactly can be found there remains a mystery and is even more complicated by sedimentation, as many objects sink into the ground.

environmental influences and garbage in Lake Constance

A serious question is the environmental condition of Lake Constance, because it suffers from microplastic particles and other contaminants. According to a cross -border study, between 5 and 17 microplastic particles were found in a cubic meter of water. These particles get more easily via waste water or from the banks into the lake. In heavy rainfall, unfiltered wastewater, which included faeces from a clinic, were cleaned into the lake. This led to diseases of over 200 swimmers who reported on nausea at the health department.

traces of historical waste disposal can also be found again and again. "Lake Constance used to be a garbage dump," explains Wessels. "Over the years, tons of waste, including dangerous substances, have been disposed of in the lake." As a result, contaminants such as tar oil and other dangerous chemicals can still be found in the sea base. Between 1903 and 1969 tons of tar oil were led into the water, which led to the contamination of a large section of the lake base.

Martin Wessels and his colleagues work tirelessly to both document the finds and to ensure that Lake Constance receives its reputation as one of the cleanest waters in Germany. They are often traveling with the diving robot, which provides valuable support in rescue activities.

Although the multitude of finds in Lake Constance is breathtaking, the question remains how many other secrets are still undiscovered under the water surface. The combination of historical tragedies and environmental influences makes Lake Constance a unique place. The vital natural forces aim to keep water quality, but the challenges remain.