WOPR closed a Polish bathing area to find missing tourists. They were shopping at the time
Beachgoers left their belongings and went shopping. WOPR rescuers thought the tourists had drowned and began searching.
While WOPR rescuers were sweating in the sea searching for tourists who had left their belongings unattended on the beach, the unaware tourists were shopping in a store three kilometers away. The bizarre situation in Łeba shows how important responsible behavior is in a bathing area. Similar situations on the Baltic Sea have often brought local services to their feet.
The missing tourists were shopping
On Saturday, August 3, employees of the Sea Rescue Station in Łeba, together with rescuers from the nearby unit of the Gniewin WOPR, received a report about missing tourists, last seen on the beach. The vacationers left their belongings at exit no. 11 and then went shopping in a store three kilometers away. However, they were not aware that their unattended bags and clothes would cause such a big stir. The services immediately began searching for the “missing”, with the help of the R10 lifeboat and Land Rover. The entire bathing area was even closed for several hours.
Appeal to tourists
Ultimately, it was possible to determine where the tourists were actually located. Although fortunately no one was hurt, this situation showed how important it is to maintain common sense. “We appeal to all beachgoers: do not leave your clothes and belongings on the beach, so as not to cause unnecessary alarm and rescue operations. Let’s take care of common safety!” – the Coastal Rescue Station in Łeba of the Maritime Search and Rescue Service (SAR) appealed on Facebook. Internet users also expressed their support for the hard work of the rescuers. “We witnessed the entire operation, as did hundreds of other people… I think everyone was concerned. What a lack of imagination,” we read. Some thought that the tourists should be punished for their actions. “These people should pay for the entire operation,” wrote another person, who suggested tightening the regulations for unnecessary work by the services.
