Identities Confirmed After Three Bodies Found in Marchfeld Canal Near Gerasdorf

Authorities in Lower Austria have confirmed the identities of three men found dead in the Marchfeld Canal near Gerasdorf. The discovery follows an intensive search operation that began after a family member reported one of the men missing.

The three men, aged 27, 28, and an undisclosed age, all residents of Vienna, embarked on a stand-up paddleboarding excursion along the Marchfeld Canal earlier in the week. When the 27-year-old did not return home, his mother reported his absence, prompting police to initiate a search in the area.

Investigations indicate that the group attempted to navigate a weir installation on the canal. The search effort, which included police dogs, drones, water police, and firefighters, began on Wednesday evening and extended into the early hours of Thursday. During the operation, personal belongings of the missing individuals, including two stand-up paddleboards, were discovered near the weir structure. Among the belongings, authorities also found substances believed to be cannabis.

A helicopter was deployed to survey the area from above, which led to the location of two bodies in the canal near Seyringer Straße in Gerasdorf. Shortly afterward, the third body was found in close proximity. The authorities have ruled out indications of foul play based on the current evidence. Preliminary findings suggest that the deaths resulted from an accident while the trio attempted to pass through the canal's weir system.

Following the recovery of the bodies, the public prosecutor's office in Korneuburg ordered autopsies for all three victims. Toxicological analyses have also been commissioned to determine whether the presence of narcotics or other substances may have contributed to the incident. As of Friday, official results from these examinations had not yet been released.

The Landespolizeidirektion Niederösterreich reported that the initial search was called off after five hours on Wednesday night due to darkness and resumed at first light on Thursday. The operation involved significant coordination between multiple emergency services, including the use of specialized equipment and aerial reconnaissance to cover the extensive canal area efficiently.

The Marchfeld Canal, known for recreational activities such as stand-up paddleboarding, can present hazards near technical installations like weir systems, particularly for individuals unfamiliar with their operation. The police have reiterated the importance of exercising caution when navigating waterways, especially in regions featuring such structures.

Local authorities continue to investigate the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths, focusing on the events leading up to the attempted passage through the weir and any contributing factors. The identification of all three victims has provided closure for the families involved, who are receiving support from relevant agencies.

Officials have stated that, at this stage, all evidence supports the theory of a tragic accident. There is no evidence to suggest that the involvement of third parties played a role in the incident. Updates will be provided as soon as the results of the post-mortem and toxicological examinations become available.