Unusual rescue operation in the Baltic Sea: two people stuck on the ice floe for five hours
Two people were rescued after being trapped on an ice floe in the Baltic Sea for five hours near the village of Pliešciemo, Lithuania.
In a dramatic incident in the Baltic Sea near the village of Pliešciemo, two individuals found themselves stranded on a large ice floe that broke free from the frozen surface. The couple was walking cautiously on the ice when a significant section detached and drifted several kilometers from the shore, prompting an immediate response from the local rescue services. Reports indicate that the search for the stranded individuals took place over five grueling hours, hampered by the freezing weather, darkness, and large ice masses obstructing navigation.
Rescue operations were coordinated diligently, with the authorities deploying an icebreaker to reach the victims effectively under challenging circumstances. A video published by the Freeport of Riga showed the moment when the stranded couple was finally located and rescued. They were lifted using a ship's crane and safely transferred onto the vessel, marking a successful outcome to a precarious situation.
Eventually, the rescued individuals arrived at the port of Riga around 3 AM, where they were handed over to medical personnel for further evaluation. This incident highlights the dangers associated with walking on ice-covered bodies of water and illustrates the importance of preparedness and rapid response in emergency situations. It also serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of icy waters during winter months, emphasizing safety precautions for those in such environments.