Two Young Women Rescued in Lake Ohrid After Strong Winds Swept Them Away from Shore

North Macedonia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs announced that on July 28, 2026, at around 7:55 p.m., the Ohrid Border Surveillance Police Station was alerted to an emergency on the lake. Two women using stand-up paddleboards needed assistance approximately 1,000 meters from the shoreline, opposite the city’s campsite.

Immediately after receiving the alert, lake police officers rushed to the reported area. They spotted the two people struggling on their boards about 2,000 meters from land as they tried to maintain control and shouted for help.

According to the official statement, police responded without delay and safely transferred the two holidaymakers onto police boats. Following the operation, they were identified as E.S., 19, and I.A., 18, both residents of Ohrid. Their young age and inexperience left them vulnerable to a sudden change in the weather; powerful winds and large waves were continuously pushing them into deeper waters, making it impossible for them to return to shore on their own.

After being rescued, the girls were taken safely to the lake police station. At the end of the statement, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, through the Ohrid Internal Affairs Department and the lake police unit, urged all swimmers and users of equipment such as stand-up paddleboards or pedal boats to exercise caution. They stressed the importance of remaining within designated safety zones and strictly following navigation rules to prevent similar incidents.