Five German tourists were rescued by Swedish authorities after their attempt to create a motorized floating sauna went awry in the Stockholm archipelago. The group lost control of their DIY craft when a passing passenger ferry created swells that broke the ice sheet they were standing on, leaving them stranded on a precarious piece of ice near Värmdö Island. The tourists had brought along various equipment, including a sauna tent, a motorized saw, a stand-up paddleboard, a Go-Pro camera, and a boat motor.

The situation drew the attention of bemused ferry passengers, who watched as rescue crews arrived to help the stranded group endure sub-zero temperatures. The initial rescue involved four tourists, while the fifth stayed behind to secure their equipment and was later rescued. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and all those rescued were brought back to safety at the nearby harbor village of Stavsnäs.

This incident highlights the risks associated with adventurous DIY projects, especially in challenging weather conditions. While the intention behind creating a floating sauna seemed to be for leisure and enjoyment, the mishap serves as a reminder of the importance of safety precautions when engaging in outdoor activities, particularly in environments as unpredictable as icy waters around Sweden’s islands.