Kamchatka rescue operation ends after missing tourists found

Five of seven missing tourists in Russia’s Kamchatka Krai have been found alive, with the search and rescue operation now officially concluded, according to reports.

The ASTRA news outlet said the fate of all nine members of the registered hiking group has now been established. Authorities confirmed that two tourists were found dead, while one survivor is in serious condition with severe frostbite.

Five members of the group were evacuated to a base near the foot of Avachinsky Volcano by rescuers and volunteers. The bodies of the deceased are also being transported, while two hikers who separated from the main group earlier reached the settlement of Pinachevo on their own.

Officials confirmed that there are no longer any missing persons. A rescue helicopter carrying injured tourists landed at an EMERCOM facility, where emergency medical teams were on standby.

The group of nine tourists had departed on March 28 for a trek in Nalychevo Nature Park. On April 3, the group split after a disagreement, with two members taking a shortcut route while the remaining seven continued along the main trail. Communication with the larger group was lost after April 7.

Investigators have reportedly opened a criminal case on charges of negligence causing death and provision of unsafe services resulting in fatalities.