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All ice-fishermen saved in Gulf of Riga – Latvian Rescue Service

Casualties were not reported

RIGA, March 29 (Itar-Tass) – A total of 219 fishermen were drifting on two ice floes in the Gulf of Riga, spokesperson to the Latvian State Fire and Rescue Service Victoria Shembele reported on Friday.

According to updated information, one floe with 40 people came off near Majori in the Latvian resort of Jurmala. Another came off near Vakarbulli and a total of 179 fishermen caught fish through an opening in the ice, Shembele said.

“At the moment the rescue operation is ending. In several hours the wind pulled out floes to sea 3-4 kilometres from the coast. All fishermen were saved. Casualties were not reported,” Shembele said.

The operation involves the Latvian Coast Guard Service, the State Border Guard and the National Armed Forces. Vessels and two helicopters carrying rescuers will take part in the operation.

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