A Latvian icebreaker, the Varma
, rescued two individuals who became stranded on a drifting ice floe in the Baltic Sea over the weekend. The dramatic rescue, which concluded in the early hours of , highlights the dangers of venturing onto frozen waterways during fluctuating winter temperatures.
The incident began on the evening of , around 8:00 p.m. Local time, when the Search and Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) received a report of two people who had been skating near Plieņciems when the ice gave way beneath them. According to Liene Ozola, a representative of the Freeport of Riga Authority, the pair were quickly carried out to sea on a fragment of broken ice.
The Varma
, operated by the Freeport of Riga Authority subsidiary LVR Flote
, was dispatched to the scene as the closest available vessel, approximately 35 kilometers from the location where the skaters were reported missing. The search operation was complicated by darkness and the presence of extensive ice drifts, which significantly hampered navigation.
Despite the challenging conditions, the crew of the Varma
persevered, conducting a five-hour search before locating the stranded individuals at around 1:00 a.m. On . They were subsequently brought aboard the icebreaker and transported to the port of Riga, arriving around 3:00 a.m., where they were handed over to medical personnel for assessment.
Kaspars Ozoliņš, head of LVR Flote
, emphasized the speed with which the situation can escalate when venturing onto unstable ice. It’s a matter of seconds. You can even stand on the edge of broken ice and see how the crack widens centimeters by centimeters. At first there is fear, shock, then you realize that you can’t jump over, and all you have to do is wait,
he stated. He also noted that the pair had been blown several kilometers from the coastline by the wind.
This rescue comes amid a period of heightened concern regarding ice safety in Latvia. Earlier this year, on , Latvian Radio reported that two people had already died after falling through the ice in the Vidzeme and Latgale regions. Last year saw a significantly higher number of incidents, with 15 fatalities and seven rescues recorded.
Experts warn that fluctuating temperatures and uneven ice formation pose a significant risk to those who engage in winter activities on frozen bodies of water. The uneven freezing is attributed to factors such as varying sub-zero temperatures and the accumulation of snow, which can insulate the ice and prevent it from solidifying uniformly. Underwater currents also contribute to the instability of the ice, creating dangerous pockets of thinness.
The incident underscores the importance of heeding warnings from rescue service specialists and exercising extreme caution when venturing onto frozen lakes and rivers. The Latvian State Fire and Rescue Service regularly issues advisories regarding ice conditions, particularly emphasizing the dangers around river mouths, drainage ditches, and areas with known underwater currents.
The Baltic Sea region is known for its harsh winters and the formation of extensive sea ice. While the ice can provide opportunities for recreation, it also presents significant hazards, particularly during periods of rapid temperature change or strong winds. Icebreakers, such as the Varma
, play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of navigation and responding to emergencies in these conditions.
Further complicating the situation, a weather warning has been issued for more freezing temperatures expected tonight, potentially exacerbating the risks associated with ice travel. The Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre has advised residents to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary risks on frozen surfaces.
The successful rescue of the two skaters serves as a reminder of the dedication and skill of the Latvian Freeport of Riga Authority’s LVR Flote
and the importance of rapid response capabilities in safeguarding lives during winter emergencies. The incident also highlights the inherent dangers of ice-related activities and the need for continued public awareness campaigns to promote ice safety.
