Over the past three days, two tragedies involving jet skis and boats have occurred on Lake Alakol. One incident left one person dead, and another resulted in a pensioner losing both legs, reports infohub.kz.
On the evening of July 16, a 69-year-old resident of Almaty was hit by a moving boat. Medics rushed her to the Central Hospital of Alakol District with severe combined polytrauma. Her left leg was severed, and her right leg was severely crushed. Due to significant blood loss and shock, doctors had to amputate both limbs to save her life. As of July 18, the patient is in intensive care; despite her extremely serious condition, positive dynamics are noted.
Police in the Zhetysu region have opened a criminal case over the boat hitting the woman in the village of Kuktuma on Lake Alakol. Circumstances are being investigated.
The next day, July 17, two jet skis collided in the lake's waters. According to the Department of Emergency Situations (DChS) of Zhetysu region, one jet ski ran over another. The crash killed one person and injured another. The Alakol District Police Department is conducting a pre-trial investigation.
After the second incident, the DChS reminded that it is forbidden to launch small vessels in the dark without navigation lights. Since the start of the swimming season, agency staff have been conducting daily patrols on Alakol, and since July 1, state control over the operation of small vessels has been in effect. For violations of water safety rules, 108 administrative citations have been issued.
Rescuers urge boat and jet ski owners to comply with requirements: do not go out on the water during prohibited times, wear life jackets, carry documents, and do not exceed passenger capacity.
A year ago on Alakol, a boat struck a 63-year-old vacationer who was swimming 200–250 meters from shore. The woman died from her injuries.