The icebreaker 'Varma' was deployed after a distress call from the Sea Search and Rescue Coordination Center regarding two individuals who had been blown onto a large drifting ice floe while ice walking near Plieņciems. Given the dangerous conditions caused by cracks in the ice, a swift decision was made to initiate a rescue operation involving the icebreaker, which was the closest available vessel.

After five hours of intense searching, during which visibility was hampered by darkness and heavy ice packs that complicated navigation, the crew of 'Varma' located the two individuals and successfully brought them on board. The search was described as challenging due to the environmental conditions that posed additional risks to both the rescuers and those needing assistance.

The rescued individuals were subsequently transported to land by the vessel 'Laura', with their safety ensured after what could have been a life-threatening situation had the rescue not been executed swiftly. This operation highlights the effectiveness of coordinated rescue efforts in adverse conditions and underscores the risks associated with winter activities on frozen bodies of water.