The State Emergency Service of Ukraine (DSNS) has reported two tragic water-related incidents resulting in the recovery of two bodies in the Kyiv and Prykarpattia regions over the weekend. The detailed circumstances of these grim discoveries were officially shared by the DSNS press service on Saturday, April 11, urging citizens to exercise extreme caution near all bodies of water.
The first incident occurred in the Vyshhorod district of the Kyiv region, specifically in the village of Hlibivka. According to official reports, a specialized dive team was deployed to recover the body of a local resident, born in 1996. The 28-year-old man had been officially listed as missing since April 2. Following extensive and prolonged search operations spanning more than a week, emergency personnel finally located his body in the water. After the challenging extraction process, the remains were handed over to local law enforcement authorities, who have launched a thorough investigation to determine the exact circumstances and cause of death.
A separate but equally tragic event unfolded in the mountainous terrain of the Ivano-Frankivsk region, widely known as Prykarpattia. In the village of Verkhovyna, rescuers from the 12th State Fire and Rescue Unit were dispatched to the Chornyi Cheremosh river. Known for its strong mountain currents and unpredictable conditions, the river proved perilous for a local resident. Utilizing specialized ropes and water rescue equipment, the emergency responders managed to retrieve the deceased man’s body from the turbulent waters. As with the incident in the Kyiv region, the police have taken over the case to conduct a comprehensive forensic investigation.
In light of these recent tragedies, the State Emergency Service is urgently reminding the public about the critical importance of adhering to basic water safety rules. The authorities emphasize that even seemingly familiar lakes, rivers, and ponds can harbor hidden dangers, including strong undercurrents, sudden deep drop-offs, and treacherous debris below the surface. “We implore everyone to remain vigilant and strictly follow safety guidelines, even in areas you think you know well. Please, protect your lives and the lives of your loved ones,” the DSNS press service stated.
These incidents highlight the constant, multifaceted challenges faced by Ukrainian rescue workers, who continue to respond to everyday emergencies while simultaneously dealing with the severe consequences of the ongoing war. Their dedication often comes with significant personal risk. A poignant reminder of this was the tragic recent loss of an off-duty DSNS rescuer who heroically sacrificed his own life. While vacationing near Skhidnytsia, the brave responder drowned in the Stryi river while successfully saving his wife and children from the water, demonstrating the ultimate commitment to saving others at any cost.