Druknedøde i Danmark 2001-2006 - Statens Institut for Folkesundhed

English Summary
In 13 of the 143 cases (9%) it was stated that the deceased was wearing a life jacket. Reports
indicated that alcohol had been involved in 24 (17%) of the cases.
Many accidents occurred when sailors fell overboard, e.g. due to rough seas, gusts of wind, when
starting the engine, or because the boat capsized or took in water and sank.
DROWNING DURING WHERABOUTS IN HARBOURS
In the period 2001-2010, totally 112 people drowned during wherabouts in harbours. One was
aged 16 years, two were 17 years and the remaining were over 18 years. The vast majority were
men (104, corresponding to 93%), and most between 50 and 64 years (54, corresponding to
48%). Only 16% of accidents were witnessed by others, as most of the accidents only were discovered
when the deceased was missing or was found lying lifeless in the water.
Ten people had fallen into the harbour while entering or leaving a boat, nine people fell into the
harbour from the jetty/pier, wharf or similar. Four fell overboard from their boat. However, as
mentioned before most cases were not witnessed. Characteristic of the harbour accidents is the
frequent use of alcohol. In 60% of the cases the deceased had been intoxicated at the time of the
accident. Additionally, another 11 persons were described as alcohol abusers, but it is not stated if
they had been intoxicated at the time of the accident.
Figure F: Unintentional drowning deaths during whereabouts in harbours 2001-
2010. Number and incidence per 100,000, by age group
The table includes both Danes and foreigners. ”Danes” means residents in Denmark, while foreigners
include tourists, sailors and fishermen visiting Danish water
20
Incidence rate per 100,000
1,5
1,0
0,5
0,0
0
10
14
0-14 15-24 25-44 45-64 65+
56
21
IR per 100,000 Number 2001-2010
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Total number 2001-2010