Father and Son Waterskiing Targeted by Air Rifle Shots in Dilsen-Stokkem

A father and son engaged in waterskiing on the Zuid-Willemsvaart canal in Dilsen-Stokkem were targeted by gunfire from an air rifle on Friday evening. The incident, which occurred around 5:15 p.m., fortunately resulted in no injuries.

The pair were being pulled by a motorboat from the Lanklaar waterski club. According to the club, they were within the designated area for waterskiing. While passing a mooring area on Zavelstraat, they heard shots and were alerted by a cyclist that they were being fired upon from a docked fishing boat.

Kenny Donne of the Maasland Watersport Association expressed shock, stating such incidents are unacceptable. He noted that while club members adhere to waterskiing regulations, conflicts sometimes arise with fishermen due to wave disturbances. Donne suggested that issues often stem from individuals not adhering to mooring regulations, sometimes staying longer than the permitted 24 hours.

The local police confirmed receiving the report, and the waterway police conducted initial investigations. The suspected shooter has been identified, and the prosecutor's office is handling the ongoing investigation into the circumstances of the shooting.

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These things do not belong by the water.