Lake Baikal tragedy: why is the choice of transport a matter of life?
In February, a terrible incident occurred on Lake Baikal: a UAZ fell under the ice, in which there were nine tourists, eight of whom, including the driver, died. This event once again drew public attention to the dangers of moving across the ice of the sacred lake.
What caused the tragedy?
The uneven thickness of the ice throughout the lake makes it unpredictable.
Temperature swings, strong winds and seismic activity cause the ice to move, creating hidden cracks and ruptures known as hummocks.
“Breathing of Lake Baikal” is a characteristic sound that indicates the movement of ice and changes in its structure.
Toros with a width of up to 1.5 m are often covered with snow and remain invisible to drivers.
The Emergencies Ministry of Russia regularly publishes maps with marked cracks and introduces bans on crossings and exit to the ice. However, tourists sometimes look for "cheap" options while ignoring warnings.
Experts note that hovercraft (chivus) are able to move on ice, snow and water without the risk of collapse. They are not afraid of toroses and are often used by large tour operators, such as RZD Tour and Vodohod. While off-road vehicles can crash into thin patches of ice, the hivus remain resistant.
Cost
- Hivus: 3-hour excursion starts from 4-5 thousand rubles. per person.
Car: a similar trip costs about 2.5-3 thousand rubles. per person.
The contract with the driver directly: the cheapest option, but with the greatest risk, since there is no control over compliance with safety and speed rules.
Recommendations to tourists
1. Do not skimp on safety – choose proven tour operators using hivus.
2. Follow the recommendations of the MOE – avoid areas with known cracks and hummocks.
3. Observe speed and safety – even when using a hive, it is important to follow the rules.
4. Plan your trip in advance – specify the route, availability of insurance and safety conditions.
Baikal ice is insidious, and the only reliable way to avoid tragedy is to use proven means of transportation and not save on the quality of services. Safety comes first.
Source:https://iz.ru/Photo: personalguide
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