Missing rafters found in Austria

All rafters missing after their boats capsized in an Alpine river in western Austria have been found, the Red Cross said today.

Spokesman Michael Osti said 12 rafters had still to be rescued because they were stranded on the banks of the Bregenzerach River in Austria’s Vorarlberg province.

They were part of a group of 69 rafters in five boats.

The accident happened near Doren, a village 13 miles (20km) east of the provincial capital of Bregenz.

More than two dozen people were tossed into the raging river when their rafts capsized due to turbulence and high water, but all were found after an intensive rescue operation, authorities said.

Scores of rescue workers used boats and helicopters to scour the banks of the Bregenzerach for three hours after police reported at least 10 rafters were missing.

Five of those pulled from the river were taken to hospital, fire brigade spokesman Werner Blum told national broadcaster ORF. Others were treated for minor injuries.

Summer rafting is a popular tourist activity in Austria, but in the last month Eastern Europe has been hit by heavy rain.