UMVA has learned that a tourist expedition on the frozen rim of Lake Baikal turned into a harrowing tragedy when a hovercraft overturned in icy waters, claiming five lives and unleashing a frantic rescue operation.
The vessel, a Sever-750 airboat built to glide over both ice and water, capsized just offshore with 18 people aboard. Rescue crews extracted 13 survivors, including a child, while five others were pronounced dead at the scene.
The group had been traveling as part of a guided tour near the world’s deepest freshwater lake, a hotspot for adventure seekers. Most passengers were believed to be visitors from the capital, drawn by the lure of Siberia’s natural wonder.
Authorities have not yet pinpointed the exact cause, but early speculation points to the hovercraft becoming unstable upon reaching thin ice near the shoreline. Investigators are also probing whether overcrowding may have played a role, as the craft was designed for no more than ten passengers yet carried 18 people and heavy equipment.
The captain reportedly steered the craft onto the ice and jumped into the water shortly before it tipped. One survivor suffered a leg injury and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Witnesses say the model is poorly suited for the lake’s rough conditions, noting that it is typically used on calmer rivers rather than the open, storm‑prone waters of Baikal.
The lake, often described as an inland sea, is notorious for sudden storms and icy conditions even during peak tourist season. Its immense size and depth make it one of the planet’s most extraordinary natural landmarks.
Investigative bodies have opened inquiries into the crash, seeking to determine whether safety violations contributed to the deadly accident.
