A holiday on Lake Alakol ended in tragedy for two Kazakh families this weekend. One incident claimed the life of a jet ski driver, while another left a 70-year-old woman with severe injuries after being hit by a ferry. Police are investigating both cases. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
According to the Department of Emergency Situations of the Zhetysu region, on the evening of July 17, two jet skis collided on the waters of Lake Alakol. The accident resulted in one death and one injury.
The Alakol district police department is conducting a pre-trial investigation into the incident.
Another tragedy occurred in the village of Koktuma. According to the krisp.tdk public page, a 70-year-old woman lost both legs after a ferry reversed and ran over her.
The police of the Zhetysu region confirmed the incident.
"Police officers are investigating a criminal case regarding the incident that took place on the shore of Lake Alakol in the village of Koktuma, Alakol district. All circumstances are being established," the department reported.
The Emergency Situations Department of Zhetysu reminded that it is forbidden to go on the water at night on small vessels without navigation lights.
"We urge owners and operators of small vessels to follow safety rules: do not go on the water during prohibited hours, wear life jackets, carry vessel documents, and do not exceed the permissible passenger capacity," the department said.
According to the department, raids have been conducted daily on Lake Alakol since the start of the swimming season. Since July 1, inspectors have also been monitoring the use of small vessels. During this time, they have drawn up 108 administrative protocols for violations.
A year ago, the akimat of the Zhetysu region stated that they had finally taken action against violators on motor boats and cutters on Lake Alakol. Kursiv previously reported on the risks to vacationers from uncontrolled movement of watercraft in prohibited areas.