Two separate river accidents in northern Mongolia have highlighted the risks of swimming in fast-flowing rivers during the summer travel season, with emergency responders rescuing four people in Bulgan Province and recovering the body of a missing man in Selenge Province.
According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), four people were rescued after encountering difficulties while swimming in the Selenge River in Bulgan Province. The incident occurred at the Selenge River Bridge area in Khyalganat bag of Khangal soum, approximately 132 kilometers northeast of Bulgan Province’s center and 27 kilometers northeast of the soum center. A group of eight people traveling from Ulaanbaatar to Khyalganat in two vehicles had stopped at the river. The emergency call was received at 3:09 p.m. on July 23, reporting that four members of the group had entered the river to swim, lost their footing in the strong current, and were clinging to objects in the water.
Personnel from Fire and Rescue Unit No. 50 in Khangal soum responded to the scene and used a motorboat to reach the victims, who were stranded about eight meters from the riverbank. Four men, aged 22 and 23, were safely brought ashore without injury, NEMA reported.
In a separate accident, a 22-year-old man who went missing while swimming in the Kharaa River in Selenge Province was found dead after a multi-day search operation. The accident took place at the Erdenet Bridge area in Nomgon bag of Saikhan soum, about 14 kilometers southwest of Darkhan soum. A group of 10 people traveling from Ulaanbaatar to Arkhangai Province and back had stopped to rest along the riverbank when two members of the group entered the water and drowned.
NEMA reminded the public to prioritize water safety during the summer season, warning that strong currents and unpredictable river conditions pose serious risks. Authorities advise people to swim only in designated areas, wear life jackets when appropriate, and avoid entering rivers after consuming alcohol or when water conditions appear unsafe.
