All 139 Fishermen Rescued from Ice Floe in Russia’s Sea of Okhotsk
Russia’s emergency services announced on Wednesday that they successfully rescued all 139 fishermen who had been stranded on an ice floe drifting in the Sea of Okhotsk, Reuters reports.
This operation was crucial, especially after earlier reports indicated that around 300 individuals were initially stranded, with some refusing to leave the location without their catch.
The Ministry of Emergency Situations shared multiple videos from the rescue operation, capturing moments of fishermen navigating the snowy ice as they moved away from rescuers. The dramatic turn of events unfolded when a crack approximately 33 feet wide formed in the ice, stretching from the village of Malki to the mouth of the Dolinka River. This incident left the fishermen adrift in the frigid waters.
Despite the challenges, the ministry later confirmed via its Telegram channel that a coordinated rescue effort utilizing helicopters and vessels successfully brought all 139 stranded individuals safely back to shore.
The reason for the large gathering of fishermen at this location remains unclear. Traditionally, the winter fishing season in the Sakhalin region starts in early February, characterized by an active fishing period that persists until April.
The Sakhalin region, part of Russia’s Far East, is known for its harsh winter conditions, which are long, cold, and snowy — often extending for more than five months.
