Last weekend, two Nordic skiers were discovered on a drifting ice floe in the Gulf of Riga due to the 112 emergency application that was installed on their phones, as confirmed by Interior Minister Rihards Kozlovskis. The incident occurred early on Sunday morning, and with the assistance of the icebreaker "Varma," the skiers were successfully rescued, emphasizing the dangers of being on ice-covered waters which can be unpredictable and hazardous.

Minister Kozlovskis expressed gratitude to the emergency services for their prompt response that allowed for the safe return of the two skiers after a challenging five-hour operation. He highlighted that the accurate location of the skiers in the dark and harsh weather conditions was made possible through the usage of the 112 app. This event serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of winter sports in such environments and the importance of having reliable safety measures in place.

The successful conclusion of this rescue operation underscores the efficacy of Latvia's State Fire and Rescue Service's "112" app, which is available to all residents of Latvia. The incident not only illustrates the importance of modern technology in ensuring safety during outdoor activities but also reinforces the need for awareness regarding the risks associated with winter sports on ice, advocating for responsible practices among recreational skiers and the general public alike.