21 paddleboarders stranded on Dnipro River rescued after storm

The group had booked a stand-up paddleboarding session as part of a corporate event, receiving a safety briefing before heading out onto the water.

The outing took place on the Kyiv Reservoir. Shortly after launch, the wind suddenly picked up, blowing 21 people far from the shore. Realizing the group could not manage to return to land on their own, the instructor called emergency services.

“Events then unfolded very quickly, and every minute counted. Rescue officer Oleksiy Kipich coordinated the operation, which brought together the State Emergency Service, the fisheries patrol, and local fishermen,” agency officials said.

According to emergency crews, some of the paddleboarders were picked up near the shoreline, while others had to be tracked down several miles from where they started. All 21 people were successfully brought to safety.

The State Emergency Service urged people to always check the weather forecast before heading out on the water, warning that strong winds can pick up in a matter of minutes.