In what’s being hailed as one of the world’s toughest ice rescue operations, Russian emergency teams successfully saved 30 stranded drivers from rapidly drifting ice floes in Gertner Bay, located in Russia’s Far Eastern city of Magadan. The dramatic event unfolded on Saturday, with spectacular drone footage capturing the scale and urgency of the mission.
According to the Magadan Civil Defence and Emergency Situations Department, the operation began when ice sheets unexpectedly cracked and drifted away from the shore, trapping dozens of local fishermen and drivers. At the time, over 500 cars were parked on the frozen bay — a popular winter fishing site.
Sudden Disaster on the Ice
By noon, the ice began to fracture and separate, creating a deadly situation. 30 individuals found themselves cut off from land, floating helplessly on unstable ice. With temperatures plummeting and the ice shifting unpredictably, every second counted.
Rescue Under Extreme Conditions
In a race against time, EMERCOM (Ministry of Emergency Situations) deployed a Sever-750K airboat along with a 15-member elite rescue team. Using airboats designed for high-risk, low-access conditions, rescuers navigated the treacherous ice and successfully towed vehicles to safety while evacuating all stranded individuals.
Dramatic Drone Footage Captures the Moment
Drone visuals released by local authorities showed airboats gliding across broken ice, rescuers helping trapped civilians, and vehicles being carefully maneuvered away from danger. The video quickly went viral, with global audiences praising the courage and coordination of the rescue teams.
“No One Left Behind” – All Safe, No Injuries
By evening, all 30 people were safely brought to shore. Officials confirmed that no injuries were reported, thanks to the swift response and tactical planning of the emergency crews.
Sergei Besedin, Head of the Magadan Emergency Department, stated:
“This was one of the most challenging operations we’ve seen in years. Ice break-offs are unpredictable, and we are relieved that everyone is safe. The airboats performed incredibly well under pressure.”
Global Praise for Russian Rescue Efforts
International safety experts have lauded the rescue as a “masterclass in cold-environment emergency response”, pointing out that such missions require precision timing, specialized equipment, and flawless coordination.
Many are calling it “the world’s toughest ice rescue” due to the scale, environmental conditions, and the number of lives at risk.
