Diver Dies Following Search Operation at Neufelder See in Austria

A tragic incident occurred on Saturday, 8 November 2025, at Neufelder See in Burgenland, Austria, when a diver was reported missing shortly after midday. Despite an extensive search and rescue effort, the diver was later recovered lifeless from the water.

According to Burgenland ORF, the alarm was raised around 12:44 p.m. after the diver, who was part of a larger group, failed to resurface. Emergency services immediately launched a coordinated search involving local fire brigades from Neufeld and Hornstein, the Burgenland fire department’s specialist dive unit, and the Austrian Water Rescue Service. Two fire divers from Vienna were transported to the site by emergency helicopter to support the operation.

Roughly an hour and a half after the alert, the missing diver was found underwater and brought to shore. Despite immediate resuscitation attempts by an emergency physician, the diver was pronounced dead at the scene.

In total, around 80 emergency personnel participated in the search, supported by two boats – one equipped with sonar technology, according to reports from Kurier and Fireworld.at.

As noted by MeinBezirk, the cause of the accident remains unclear and is now under official investigation by the relevant authorities. No further details have been released regarding the identity of the deceased diver.

The Neufelder See is one of Austria’s most popular inland diving locations, frequently used for training and recreational dives due to its clear waters and easy accessibility.

The Scuba News extends its condolences to the diver’s family, friends, and all those involved in the rescue effort.