204 people rescued in waters, 5 perished for two months in Tatarstan

By permitting fishers to the ice in such a dangerous period we provoke dangerous situations, First Deputy PM Ravil Muratov said criticizing the current situation at a meeting on issues of additional safety measures on Tatarstan water objects in winter-spring period of 2011-2012. The meeting was held in RT Government House.

The increase of emergency situations afloat often resulting in loss of lives is observed every year in a freezing-over period. Normally fishers and children die.

Every year about 200 people die due to accidents in waters. Six search-and-rescue operations have been carried out in October-November 2011, 204 people were rescued, 5 were lost. Reckless behavior of fishermen makes rescuers and inspectors of State inspectorate on small-size vessels risk their lives.

On November 13 an awful tragedy similar to Bulgaria shipwreck could happen, - 202 people were found on a drifting ice in Atabaevo region. Two children fell into the ice and died on November 5 in Kazan.

“Though the accident happened on the ice in Kuibyshev water basin on November 13 was not left unnoticed, there were no any actions on the part of officials of any level”, Tatarstan Minister of civil defence and emergency situations, Chief of the main department of RF Ministry of emergency situations on RT Rafis Khabibullin stressed.

Unfortunate statistics on water accidents is characteristic of both winter and summer periods in regions and towns with watersides of Kuibyshev and Nizhnekamsk water basins and Vyatka river.

“We cannot forbid going to the ice. Finally it is the breach of constitutional rights. But we have to warn or at least remind about potential hazard by installing warning banners, organizing patrolling of riverside areas”, Rafis Khabibullin said. By his words, explanatory works should be implemented with families of fishermen as well.

Ravil Muratov suggested toughening requirements and responsibility measures in relation to people who cause such emergency situations.

It was marked as well that it is necessary to create public organizations to be partially responsible for behavior of fishermen in water areas, and carry out explanatory work with children.