A 46-year-old Russian man, Mikhail Pichugin, was rescued after drifting for 66 days in the Sea of Okhotsk. He was found on October 15, 2024, by fishermen near the Kamchatka Peninsula, nearly 1,000 kilometers from his departure point on Sakhalin Island. Pichugin was the only survivor of a trip that began on August 9, during which his brother and nephew tragically perished. The survivor recounted his ordeal, stating he collected rainwater for hydration and used a camel-hair sleeping bag for warmth. His condition was described as satisfactory by local authorities, who are arranging for his return home.
Authorities have opened an investigation into potential violations of maritime safety regulations that may have contributed to the deaths of Pichugin's relatives. If found negligent, Pichugin could face legal repercussions for the incident. The circumstances surrounding the deaths of his brother and nephew remain unclear, as does the reason for the boat's drift far from its intended route. The region is known for severe weather conditions, which could have played a role in the tragedy.
