A couple walking on the frozen Baltic Sea in Sopot fell through the ice as it suddenly broke, with the incident captured on video that quickly went viral online.
Couple Falls Through Ice in Sopot
A video has gone viral showing a couple walking on the frozen Baltic Sea in Sopot when the ice suddenly broke under their feet. The footage, posted by TikToker “catsandpaula,” has garnered nearly 2 million views.
“I was filming a video of our beautiful sea, and then suddenly…” wrote the TikToker in the caption. The video shows the couple unexpectedly falling into the water as the ice collapses beneath them.
Authorities Warn Against Walking on Ice
Emergency services have repeatedly warned this winter against walking on frozen waters, as the thickness of the ice is unpredictable. Despite these warnings, residents and tourists have been massing on the frozen Motława River in Gdansk, with walkers, skaters, and even cyclists using the ice.
Firefighters emphasize that ice can be treacherous, and falling into the water could end in tragedy. The ice on rivers and seas is not uniformly thick and can break at the most unexpected moments.
Cities Introduce Bans on Ice Walking
This weekend, authorities in Riga introduced a ban on walking on the ice of the Daugava River. The frozen river had become an unofficial urban promenade, with people walking on it as long as they stayed away from areas near houses where the ice is particularly fragile.
Despite the ban, some residents of the Latvian capital ignored the restriction. From Monday, February 9th, entering the frozen river could result in fines of up to 100 euros.
Lithuania Warns About Danger of Ice on River Neris
In Vilnius, the frozen Neris River attracts some people who want to take photos or videos on the ice. Walking on the ice is not formally prohibited in the Lithuanian capital, but authorities warn that while the ice may appear thick, it can be treacherous due to the strong river current.
Experts also note that the Neris river strongly meanders within the city limits. At bends in the river, the current is faster, and the ice can be significantly weaker.