Three Hunters in Urengi Ridge Survive Severe Frost After Harsh Winter Ordeal
Three residents of Miass faced a near-fatal freeze while hunting in the Urengi ridge area, where temperatures plunged to around 40 degrees below freezing. Reports from the Chelyabinsk regional Search and Rescue Service outline how a routine outdoor expedition turned into a life-threatening survival test.
The incident unfolded on December 6 in the Chelyabinsk region when the trio rode out on snowmobiles for a day in the snowy wilderness. A brutal frost snapped their equipment and slowed their progress. The snowmobile ceased functioning, and their chainsaw, essential for cutting firewood and maintaining warmth, failed as well. To complicate matters, the area lacked cell phone service, cutting them off from any quick electronic help. The harsh environment and limited tools created a situation where shelter and heat could not be assured without external rescue.
In a critical moment, one hunter left his two older companions, aged 70 and 66, to seek aid. He travelled roughly 20 kilometers through dense taiga, navigating through treacherous terrain to reach a ranger in the Semibratsky district. The ranger alerted rescuers, initiating a coordinated response to locate the missing men. This decision to separate and seek assistance proved pivotal, drawing attention to the vulnerability of outdoors enthusiasts when equipment fails and communication is unreliable in remote areas.
Rescue teams finally located the hunters in the Yurak road area, about 20 kilometers from the village of Plotinka, on December 9. They were evacuated to the nearest village four hours later, a testament to the efficiency of local responders and their ability to coordinate in challenging winter conditions. The rescued trio endured days of exposure to cold and dwindling resources before reaching safety, highlighting the essential role of preparedness and the willingness of individuals to take decisive action in emergencies. The weather and terrain of this region are known for converting an ordinary outing into a severe survival challenge, especially once equipment fails and rescue access is delayed. A Russian man faced days without shoes or gloves, enduring a frigid taiga environment in temperatures close to 20 degrees below zero and more, underscoring the dangers present in northern districts during cold spells. The incident prompted ongoing reviews of gear reliability and response protocols for hunts and expeditions in remote areas. [Source: Search and rescue service, Chelyabinsk region]