«She went on a tour because she dreamed of seeing the polar night.» What they say about the Belarusian woman swept away by the current near Murmansk

Ice-floating. Illustrative photo from one of the firms that organizes such swims

One of the women who met the missing tourist before the water immersion told "Nasha Niva" that the Belarusian woman went on the tour because she really wanted to see the polar night.

«But tour operators always offer a full package of entertainment, and everyone wanted to try something new. Our group, by the way, had a great time – the instructor himself went into the water with us, and two other people secured him on the shore. But here, negligence is to blame – they had no safety measures. It's a great pity that the woman fulfilled her dream and then, as I understand it, died: frosts up to -37 degrees, in the water for the fifth day... Who could survive that.»

Both in Belarus and Russia, dozens of companies offer ice-floating experiences. One can swim in the waters of Kola Bay all year round, as the water there does not freeze even in winter, thanks to the Gulf Stream. Usually, floating on one's back in the water lasts up to 40 minutes.

One of the guides from Murmansk told "Nasha Niva" that tour operators or corporate event organizers often contact them to sell ice-floating as part of a package with other entertainments, but sometimes they don't accept the offer because they are looking for someone who will organize the swim cheaper.

«There was a company that brought guests to us once. We offered them our conditions – comfort, safety – but they found something cheaper. They said it directly – they were more interested in those who do it for less cost. That's how many "woe-guides" appeared, who can simply drive people in cars, dress them on the street, and safety becomes a secondary matter. The main thing is to quickly sell the service to those for whom economy is a priority.»

The cost of similar excursions in Russia is about 300 Belarusian rubles. The price of all-inclusive bus tours from Belarus can reach up to 300 dollars, depending on the operator.

Russian investigators have opened a criminal case for providing services that do not meet consumer life safety requirements. It is known that the ice-floating was conducted by a local certified guide. The entrepreneur has been detained and is giving testimony.

At the moment, even the son-in-law of the missing woman does not know the details of the incident.

«She went as part of an organized group. The organization (I don't even know its name yet) offered a certain list of events as a package. And who was responsible for what – I don't know yet. A criminal case has been opened against the person who was supposed to look after these people who were supposed to go into the water,» the man told the "Onliner" portal.

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