Don't be fooled by this vast expanse of water that seems so calm. Lake Geneva can be unpredictable under the impetus of its various winds. The region is known to sailors as being particularly complex for navigation.
Sudden gales caused by thunderstorms or local thermals are often the cause of tragedies such as shipwrecks. However, the Bise, which sometimes blows very hard, is just as dangerous.
One of the most memorable accidents was undoubtedly the appalling sinking of the Fraidieu.
Monday 18 August 1969 looked like being a beautiful sunny day for the orphan girls from a holiday camp in Thonon, Lorraine. An outing on the boat Fraidieu, a former tug converted into a cruise ship, was planned for the 33 girls aged 11 to 14. They will be accompanied by 5 instructors, 17 tourists and 3 crew members.
The boat trip went well until the exit from the Gulf of Thonon. That day, the breeze was strong and the Fraidieu had to face some big waves. Faced with the raging elements, the captain decided to return to port.
The change of course was fatal to the boat. The stern of Le Fraidieu was suddenly exposed to the waves and water began to pour into the boat. The boat quickly sank a short distance from the shore.
Panicked passengers jumped into the water, barely able to don their lifejackets.
Many of the passengers could not swim, and despite the quick reaction of 2 professional fishermen and some campers to come to their aid, tragedy was inevitable.
"We grabbed every hand that came our way".
The toll was high: 8 dead and 16 missing... Police, divers and fishermen worked for a week to recover the bodies. In all, the shipwreck claimed 24 victims.
It is difficult to pinpoint a precise cause for this accident, but what is certain is that the Fraidieu should not have been on the water that day.
Following the shipwreck, the authorities tightened the navigation laws.
For further information: Promenade.ch
