A Lithuanian fisherman was swept away by the current into Russia: he was detained and fined

A 61-year-old fisherman from Lithuania accidentally crossed the state border when his boat drifted into the Russian-controlled part of Lake Vištitis. The man was subsequently detained and fined by Russian border guards, and the Lithuanian side arranged for his return.

The incident occurred on the evening of August 19 while he was fishing. The man, from Kaunas, was in the border waters of the lake in an inflatable motorboat. 

According to the Lithuanian State Border Guard Service (VSAT), the boat’s motor became entangled in algae, causing the man to lose control of the vessel. Waves carried the boat toward Russian territory.

There, Russian border guards detained the fisherman. After questioning, he was fined for illegally crossing the state border.

On Thursday, August 20, Lithuanian border guards organized a meeting with their Russian counterparts. The fisherman and his boat were returned to Lithuania.

The State Border Guard Service (VSAT) emphasized that fishermen on Lake Vištitis often choose spots near the Lithuanian-Russian border, which can pose additional risks. 

Lake Vištytis covers an area of approximately 1,860 hectares. According to the Lithuanian-Russian border treaty, which entered into force in 2003, Lithuania owns approximately 21% of the lake’s area—about 386 hectares.

LRT reports this.

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