12 App – a vital tool for saving lives! The EU co-funded solution proves its effectiveness in a critical rescue operation at sea

Being on the ice of water bodies is currently life-threatening, and any calls to venture onto the ice are considered utterly irresponsible!

On Sunday night, a major rescue operation took place involving the icebreaker “Varma,” successfully rescuing two Nordic walkers. Strong winds had blown them out to sea on a drifting ice floe. This incident once again confirms that ice conditions are completely unpredictable.

In this critical situation, where rescue efforts were hampered by the darkness of night and poor weather conditions, the precise location of those in distress was determined thanks to the 112 Latvia mobile app. This app was developed with financial support from European Union funds, and this case is direct proof of how vital the contribution of modern technology is to public safety.

Important: The 112 app is available to every resident of Latvia free of charge. It has already proven its value by helping to quickly locate people lost in the woods during the summer and autumn.

The State Fire and Rescue Service repeatedly emphasizes: stepping onto ice in changing weather conditions is an unacceptable recklessness. This year, two deceased persons have already been recovered from water bodies, while last year's statistics are grim – 15 lives lost, most of them at the very end of winter when the ice becomes fragile. Do not endanger yourself or others!