A hovercraft carrying 18 people capsized on Lake Baikal near Turtle Rock in Siberia on June 19 local time. Five people died and 13 were rescued, including a 14-year-old boy, emergency services confirmed [1, 2].
The Sever-750 hovercraft involved was designed to carry no more than 10 passengers but was overloaded with 18 at the time of the accident [1, 2]. Survivors suffered hypothermia after falling into near-freezing water [1]. Russian authorities opened a criminal investigation into possible safety violations following the incident [1, 2].
Initial investigations found no mechanical faults with the hovercraft. Possible causes being considered include overloading and unstable conditions after the captain reportedly steered the vessel onto thin ice before it capsized [1, 2]. The captain is said to have jumped into the water before the hovercraft overturned, though this detail is not confirmed [2].
Local officials noted the boats of this type are known to be unstable on open water. Lake Baikal is infamous for dangerous and rapidly changing weather, with icy surfaces persisting even in summer, posing risks to small craft [2]. Similar fatal accidents involving ice recently claimed the lives of Chinese tourists on the lake [1].
The deceased passengers were reportedly from the Moscow region [1, 2]. Rescue teams continue searching for any missing victims and have provided medical attention to survivors suffering from hypothermia.
Russian investigators will examine whether illegal overloading or operator error caused the tragedy as inquiries proceed [1, 2].
