Rescuers Aid Teenagers After Rubber Boat Accident on the Voronezh River
Two teenagers found themselves in need of help after a rubber inflatable boat was punctured while they were delivering water to a recreation center in the Lipetsk region. The incident, reported by GOROD48 with reference to the press service of the District Fire Rescue Service Office, underscores the dangers faced during small-boat transport near open water in the area.
According to official information, on March 19, 2023, a 17-year-old and a 23-year-old were aboard the inflatable craft on the left bank of the Voronezh River. Their mission was to convey provisions to a Green Valley entertainment center, which lies in close proximity to the village of Vvedenka. During the crossing, the boat experienced a rupture, creating an immediate risk of capsizing or sinking. Despite the sudden crisis, the two youths were able to reach a dry area where they managed to contact rescuers for assistance.
Rescue teams from the local fire and rescue service, specifically the UGPSS division, arrived to assist. They stabilized the situation and helped both teenagers land safely. The operation demonstrated the essential role of rapid response units in inland-water incidents and the importance of proper equipment and emergency protocols when transporting supplies by small craft in shallow riverine zones.
Officials noted that the Green Valley recreation center is currently undergoing renovations, and as a result, there are no visitors on site. The intended recipients of the food deliveries were staff members and facility guards who would be working during the renovation period. This context explains the absence of guests and the goal of maintaining essential services for personnel living or stationed at the site.
It should be noted that earlier reports mentioned a separate incident in the Samara region involving injuries tied to floodwaters and a vehicle that was swept away. The Lipetsk incident highlights the broader safety challenges associated with river travel and the critical need for preparedness when transporting supplies to facilities near water bodies. [Source: District Fire Rescue Service Office attribution]