Divers have recovered the bodies of the victims from a minibus carrying Chinese tourists that fell into Lake Baikal in Siberia last Friday. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of this tragedy.
On Saturday, 21 Feb 2026 GMT+7, Russian authorities reported that divers recovered eight bodies from Lake Baikal in Siberia—seven Chinese tourists and one Russian driver—after their minibus broke through the ice and sank last Friday.
Irkutsk Governor Igor Kobzev said, “I extend my deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims.” Earlier, he mentioned that one Chinese tourist managed to escape from the vehicle.
Lake Baikal is a popular tourist destination and the world's deepest lake, reaching depths of up to 1,642 meters. During Siberia's harsh winter, the lake's surface often freezes, leading to numerous fatal accidents over the years.
Kobzev stated via the Telegram app that the bus fell into an ice crack 3 meters wide on Friday and sank to a depth of 18 meters. Divers had to use underwater cameras to locate the bodies.
“I warn everyone again that venturing onto the ice of Lake Baikal at this time is not only prohibited but also life-threatening,” Kobzev said, urging tourists to use only officially licensed tour operators.
He added that this group of Chinese tourists, including a 14-year-old child, traveled independently without a tour company. Authorities are now conducting a criminal investigation to determine the cause of the tragedy.
Shortly after, Kobzev posted again, stating, “Sadly, even this tragedy has not deterred people.” He reported that six other individuals were rescued from two separate unrelated vehicle incidents on the lake on Friday and Saturday.
At the end of January, a Chinese tourist died after the vehicle he was in overturned on the ice surface of Lake Baikal.
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Source:bbc