Rescue teams in the Amur region are actively searching for a tourist who disappeared while kayaking on the Selemdzha River. The Amur Center for Civil Protection and Fire Safety is coordinating the operation, updating the public as new information becomes available. The incident underscores the unpredictable nature of river travel and the importance of preparedness when exploring remote waterways in the Far East.
Blagoveshchensk rescuers were dispatched to the Selemdzhinsky district after a group of tourists began a river voyage on the Selemdzha. During the trip near the village of Stoiba, one member of the party swam away from the group and could not be sighted by his companions. The others resumed their search for him, moving both downstream and upstream in an effort to locate him alive or recover any trace of his whereabouts.
Multiple rescue teams have joined the operation, deploying motor boats to survey the waterway from bank to bank. Despite thorough efforts downstream and upstream, no sign of the missing tourist had been found at the last reports, prompting continued assistance from additional teams. The search extends beyond the local district as rescue units from Primorye were mobilized to contribute to the effort until the tourist is located or authorities confirm his status.
Earlier, conflicting reports placed a second tourist in Sochi, with details suggesting a separate missing-person case. In that instance, a traveler who entered the forest disappeared on June 4. Rescue teams examined the slope of a ridge called Alek, followed by a search along the trail from Vodoprovodnaya Mountain to the Crooked Oak tract. A helicopter was brought into service to widen the search, increasing the chances of locating the individual. Preliminary information indicated the person sustained a traumatic brain injury but remained conscious at the scene. The rescue operation prioritized swift medical assessment and safe extraction if the person was found.
There have been prior rescue efforts involving Katun tourists who found themselves in water after a raft overturned, illustrating that river adventures carry inherent risks even for experienced travelers. Authorities emphasize the need for proper gear, constant buddy systems, and rapid communication with rescue services when venturing into remote river regions. The ongoing search for the missing tourist on the Selemdzha River reflects a broad, coordinated response across multiple jurisdictions and demonstrates the seriousness with which such incidents are treated by regional emergency services. The situation remains dynamic, and observers are encouraged to monitor official briefings for accurate updates. [Citation: Amur Center for Civil Protection and Fire Safety]