Tragic Drowning Incident at Lake Garda
A heart-wrenching tragedy unfolded at Lake Garda in northern Italy, where a 56-year-old woman and her 19-year-old son, both Ukrainian refugees, were found drowned. Hanna Shabratska and her son Oleksiy, who had fled the war-torn Donbass region in Ukraine, had been living in Rovereto in the Trentino Adige Valley. They went missing after a day trip to the beach, prompting a desperate search by local authorities.
Search and Discovery
The search operation, led by the Carabinieri of Riva del Garda, was initiated after Hanna's partner reported their disappearance. Mobile phone data and video surveillance footage guided the rescue teams to the area of Punta Lido near Riva del Garda. Their personal belongings, including towels, clothes, and bags, were found on the beach, raising concerns about their safety. Divers from the fire service eventually discovered their bodies at a depth of 18 meters, a short distance apart between Punta Lido and Spiaggia dei Sabbioni.
Dangerous Waters and Recent Incidents
Lake Garda, known for its strong currents and temperature fluctuations, has witnessed similar tragedies in the past. The area where Hanna and Oleksiy were found is particularly notorious for such incidents. This tragic event follows closely on the heels of other unfortunate occurrences in the region, including the death of an Austrian canyoning guide and an earthquake that shook the area. Additionally, local fishermen are grappling with shrinking fish stocks, and there have been reports of dangerous encounters with bears.
