Man rescued from ice in Mangaļsalā by a soldier from the Mechanized Infantry Brigade
A soldier from Latvia's Mechanized Infantry Brigade rescued a man who fell through the ice in Mangaļsalā while on a family outing.
On February 15, 2026, around 1:30 PM, a soldier from the National Armed Forces, specifically from the Mechanized Infantry Brigade's 2nd Battalion, rescued a man who had fallen through the ice approximately 230-250 meters from the shore at Mangaļsalā, a popular tourist location. The soldier, Staff Sergeant Kaspars Pildigovičs, noticed the incident while taking a family photo and immediately sprang into action to help the man who had briefly disappeared underwater. To approach the victim safely, Pildigovičs utilized his outer jacket to reach closer across the ice while crawling. He extended the jacket to the stranded man and soon received assistance from another bystander who held onto the victim's legs, helping to pull him out of the water together. At the time of his rescue, the man was in a state of severe shock, but the combined efforts of Pildigovičs and the passerby were crucial in ensuring his safety. This incident highlights the importance of vigilance and quick response in emergency situations, as well as the commendable actions of military personnel off-duty. The soldier's quick thinking under pressure not only saved a life but also serves as a reminder of the unexpected dangers present in outdoor environments, particularly during winter months when ice may be deceptive and hazardous.