In Astana, emergency workers rescued a man who fell into the Yesil River from the Atyrau pedestrian bridge while trying to take a selfie. Two other vacationers were evacuated from Lake Zhasibay in Pavlodar region after their catamaran was blown away from shore by strong wind. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the man born in 1998 was spotted during a patrol of the Yesil River water area.
"According to preliminary data, while intoxicated, the man tried to take a selfie on the Atyrau pedestrian bridge, slipped and fell into the river," the ministry reported.
The first to help were the crew of a pleasure boat. They threw the man a lifebuoy and pulled him closer to the shore. Then arriving rapid rescue team members lifted the victim aboard a boat and delivered him to the base, where he was handed over to medics. According to preliminary information, his condition is assessed as satisfactory.
The Ministry reminded that one should not risk life for spectacular photos. Rescuers urged to follow safety rules near water, not to go beyond barriers and not to approach the water's edge, especially while intoxicated.
Another incident occurred in Bayanaul district of Pavlodar region. While patrolling Lake Zhasibay, emergency workers came to the aid of two vacationers who found themselves in a dangerous situation.
"Due to strong wind and high waves, the catamaran carrying people lost control and ended up at a significant distance from the shore. They could not return on their own," the ministry reported.
Rescuers promptly arrived at the scene, evacuated the vacationers and safely delivered them to the shore. None of them needed medical assistance.
The Ministry urged to consider weather forecasts before going on water, not to use watercraft in strong wind and waves, and in case of emergency to immediately call 112.