While crossing the Saleph River near Silifke Castle in Cilicia on 10 June 1190, Frederick's horse slipped, throwing him against the rocks; he then drowned in the river. Frederick's death caused several thousand German soldiers to leave the force and return home through the Cilician and Syrian ports. After this, much of his army returned to Germany by sea in anticipation of the upcoming Imperial election. The Emperor's son, Frederick of Swabia, led the remaining 5,000 men to Antioch.