MOSCOW: More than 100 fishermen were rescued from a drifting ice floe in Russia’s remote Far East, officials confirmed Wednesday.
Emergency responders said 139 fishermen became trapped when a 32-foot crack formed in the ice near Sakhalin Island.
The ice sheet broke away and drifted into the Sea of Okhotsk, located between Russia and Japan.
Authorities used a Mi-8 helicopter and a Khivus hovercraft to conduct the complex rescue mission.
Videos from the operation showed strong winds as fishermen were escorted away to safety.
Rescue Challenges
Not all fishermen were eager to leave, with some refusing to go without their catch.
Authorities described them as “extreme sports enthusiasts” who insisted on staying despite dangerous conditions.
Emergency workers eventually managed to convince all individuals to board the rescue crafts.
This type of incident is common in Sakhalin, Russia’s largest island, known for its severe winters.
Every year, ice fishing accidents result in large-scale rescue operations in the region.
Past Incidents
In February 2023, more than 80 fishermen were saved from a drifting ice floe near Starodubskoye village.
In 2020, over 500 ice fishermen had to be rescued from an ice sheet near Mordvinov Bay.
These repeated incidents highlight the dangers of fishing on unstable ice in the region.
Authorities regularly warn residents about the risks, but many continue taking the chance.
The latest rescue serves as another reminder of the unpredictable nature of frozen waters.
