Straying Navigation on the Viluy Trail Results in Three Missing Individuals in Yakutsk
In the Sakha Republic (Yakutia), two incidents of people getting lost occurred on August 8, one involving a man and another involving two women, all while mushroom picking. The incidents took place on the Viluisk Highway, specifically at the 15th kilometer for the man and near the 19th kilometer for the women.
On August 8, a man born in 1970 went mushroom picking at the 15th kilometer of the Viluisk Highway and suffered an ankle injury. He independently contacted the Emergency Service for assistance. The man was successfully found and provided with necessary aid.
Meanwhile, the two women who went mushroom picking near the 19th kilometer of the Viluisk Highway also found themselves in a challenging situation. They contacted the emergency service via mobile connectivity, and rescuers were dispatched to locate and provide support for them. By 18:40, the women were located and taken to a safe location. The condition of the women was assessed as satisfactory.
The Emergency Service of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) thanks all those involved in the operation. It is worth noting that this incident is separate from the previously reported incidents involving the two women near the 19th kilometer of the Viluisk Highway.
These incidents serve as a reminder for nature lovers to be cautious and prepared for unexpected situations during walks and hikes in the forest. Given the lack of specific data about the Viluisk Highway, the following general best practices are recommended to reduce risks during mushroom picking in remote Siberian areas like Yakutia:
- Go in groups rather than alone for safety and assistance in emergencies.
- Inform family or local authorities about your planned route and expected return time.
- Carry GPS devices, maps, and compasses to navigate the forest or wilderness.
- Have a fully charged mobile phone and possibly a satellite communication device.
- Wear appropriate clothing and carry survival gear (food, water, first aid).
- Be aware of local weather conditions and prepare accordingly.
- Stay on known paths or trails when possible.
- Know basic wilderness survival skills or take a guide familiar with the area.
For more precise safety advice, locals or regional emergency services in Yakutia would be the best sources to consult. Sakhapress reported the incident involving the man on August 8.
- These incidents on the Viluisk Highway, involving a man and two women who got lost while mushroom picking, can be categorized under general news, health-and-wellness (due to the ankle injury), and science (as they relate to the study of wilderness survival).
- To ensure health and safety during mushroom picking in remote Siberian areas like Yakutia, it is recommended to follow practices such as going in groups, informing authorities, carrying navigation tools, having a charged phone, wearing appropriate clothing, staying on known paths, and knowing basic wilderness survival skills - all of which can be grouped under the category of health-and-wellness and science, as they pertain to safety and nature.
