On March 13, a tragic incident occurred in the village of Bačkoniai when a man reportedly drowned while he was fishing at the Pastrėvio hydroelectric reservoir. According to the Kaunas Fire and Rescue Service, the emergency call was received at 2:48 PM, indicating that a man was possibly drowning. A search operation was promptly initiated, and rescuers were able to identify a spot 15 meters from the shore where the man had fallen through the ice, as well as his hat, which served as a critical marker for the rescue team.

The rescue team quickly retrieved the man from the water and brought him to the shore, where he was handed over to medical personnel. Unfortunately, despite their immediate efforts, the medical team pronounced him dead at 3:14 PM. The man, who was born in 1962, had also left his fishing gear located approximately 50 meters away from the shore, which was subsequently retrieved by the rescue services. This incident highlights the dangers associated with ice fishing during the winter months in Lithuania and serves as a reminder for others engaging in similar activities to exercise extreme caution.

The tragic passing of this individual not only has implications for his family and friends but also raises awareness about safety practices during fishing activities in potentially hazardous conditions. Local authorities may need to increase public messaging regarding ice safety to prevent future accidents, particularly in rural areas where residents often engage in outdoor recreational activities during winter.