Boy, 13, found safe after disappearing on IJsselmeer

An hours long search for a missing boy on the IJsselmeer had a happy ending on Monday night. The 13-year-old from Urk was found alive and well on Houtribdijk near IJsselmeer, the Coast Guard said on Twitter.

The boy took a sloop onto the IJsselmeer from Urk early on Monday evening, according to NU.nl. When he did not return home, a large search involving a helicopter and multiple lifeboats from rescue organization KNRM was launched. The coast guard, a few fishing cutters, the fire brigade and the police also helped in the search.

Around two hours later the boy's sloop was found. The child himself was found walking on the dike a short time later. The boy was checked over by paramedics before the police gave him a ride home.