Riga, Latvia – A Latvian icebreaker, the Varma, successfully rescued two individuals who became stranded on a drifting ice floe in the Baltic Sea over the weekend, according to officials. The dramatic rescue, which concluded in the early hours of Sunday, February 22nd, underscores the dangers of venturing onto frozen waterways during periods of fluctuating winter temperatures. The incident highlights the quick response capabilities of the Freeport of Riga Authority and its subsidiary, LVR Flote.
The pair were reported missing on Saturday evening, February 21st, around 8:00 p.m. Local time, after the ice cracked beneath them while ice skating near Plieņciems. The Search and Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) initiated a rescue operation and the Varma was dispatched as the closest available vessel, approximately 35 kilometers from the scene, as reported by Liene Ozola, a representative of the Freeport of Riga Authority.
Challenging Rescue Conditions
The search and rescue operation was significantly hampered by darkness and the presence of large ice drifts, making navigation extremely difficult. The crew of the Varma spent five hours conducting an intensive search before locating the stranded skaters at approximately 1:00 a.m. On Sunday. Kaspars Ozoliņš, head of LVR Flote, emphasized the precariousness of the situation, stating, “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.”
The rescued individuals were brought aboard the icebreaker and transported to the port of Riga, arriving around 3:00 a.m., where they were immediately handed over to medical personnel for assessment. Authorities confirmed the pair had been carried several kilometers away from the coast by the drifting ice.
Varma’s Recent Operations and Capabilities
The icebreaker Varma, a former yacht of the President of Finland, has been actively involved in ensuring safe navigation in the Gulf of Riga since February 4th. As of February 20th, 2026, the Varma had serviced 81 vessels, escorting them through icy waters and freeing those that had become trapped, according to the Riga Free Port Authority. The vessel recently returned to the port of Riga for approximately 12 hours to replenish supplies after ten days at sea.
This latest rescue operation demonstrates the critical role the Varma plays in ensuring maritime safety during the winter months. The Latvian icebreaker’s ability to navigate challenging conditions and respond swiftly to emergencies is vital for protecting those who venture onto the Baltic Sea.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with ice skating or walking on frozen bodies of water, particularly during periods of fluctuating temperatures. Authorities continue to urge caution and advise against venturing onto ice without proper assessment of its stability. Further assessments of ice conditions in the Gulf of Riga are expected as temperatures continue to vary.
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