A Chinese tourist was rescued for the second time during an extreme marathon in Yakutia, narrowly escaping freezing to death.
1A Chinese tourist traveled to the Arctic completely unprepared. Photo: Yakutia Rescue Service
Yakutia is a remarkable destination that consistently attracts tourists. Many are eager to witness the cold pole and the northern lights firsthand. However, it is essential to understand that this harsh republic does not welcome just anyone, and for a trip—especially without guides—one needs not only excellent equipment but also the right skills. On the evening of January 9, Yakutian rescuers assisted a Chinese tourist who found himself in trouble. The young man reported that this was the second time he had gotten into a predicament and that he was starting to freeze. Experts believe there was a risk of him freezing to death, with the temperature outside being a staggering -46 degrees. More details can be found in the article “KP - Yakutia.”
2Without the rescuers' help, the young man could have died. Photo: Yakutia Rescue Service
The Chinese tourist was discovered by four specialists from the Yakutia Rescue Service. They were traveling along the Kolyma Federal Highway towards the village of Tomtor from Yakutsk to work at the extreme marathon “Pole of Cold.” Around 10 PM on January 9, they spotted a vehicle that had gone off the road. This was near the Kyubemy area, approximately 52 kilometers from the intersection with the federal highway. Inside the vehicle was a young man who spoke no Russian at all. The stranded individual was a citizen of China.
3The Chinese tourist with his rescuers. Photo: Yakutia Rescue Service
The rescuers recalled that the guest's car was severely tilted and could have overturned at any moment. With the help of a translator on his phone, the young man explained that he had lost control due to the slippery road. Indeed, that section was icy. The rescuers towed the vehicle and offered the adventurer hot tea.
4The young man was rescued for the second time. Photo: Yakutia Rescue Service
The tourist shared that this was the second time he had received assistance. Earlier, in the Tattinsky district, traffic police had helped him when the pipes in his car froze, and he nearly succumbed to the cold inside. This time, on top of everything else, he was also soaked. It is unclear how this journey might have ended if the rescuers had not arrived in time. The temperature that day was -46 degrees. The young man could have simply died. Notably, he was heading to Oymyakon for the same extreme marathon “Pole of Cold” as the Yakutian rescuers.
5The driver lost control. Photo: Yakutia Rescue Service
The rescuers reminded that when traveling in Yakutia, it is essential to register with the republic's rescue service.
- One must consider the climatic conditions of Yakutia, particularly the Arctic. The tourist was dressed very lightly for our frosts, and he only had a small entrenching shovel with him. In our conditions, one should travel only in insulated vehicles, bring tools, warm clothing, and maintain communication, - said Gennady Alexeyev, the group leader.
Follow us on social media: Telegram channel, VKontakte, Odnoklassniki.
You can contact the editorial office by phone at 8-914-197-70-04, or via email [email protected]