A 45-year-old man and his 16-year-old son who went missing in the Lomonosovsky district of Leningrad Region were found alive on 31 December after spending a night in the forest in freezing conditions, search organisers said.
Search-and-rescue volunteers located the pair at about 18:00 after a two-day operation that began when the men failed to return from a walk with their two Rottweilers on 30 December. The report of their disappearance was received around midday on 30 December, and teams worked through the night to find them.
Leningrad forest rescue operation details
Authorities and volunteer groups mobilised quickly. A total of 16 search groups were involved, including seven detachments from the Liza Alert volunteer organisation and seven teams from the Extremum search-and-rescue unit. The operation was supported by two helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with thermal imaging cameras.
Representatives of Liza Alert said the men had spent the night in the woods in sub-zero temperatures. They had become disoriented during a walk with their dogs and were unable to find their way home. According to rescuers, the father and son slept huddled with the Rottweilers, a measure that likely helped them conserve heat and survive until help arrived.
The younger man is 16 years old and the father is 45. Volunteers and rescuers had called for reinforcements to continue the search through the New Year period, and community members responded to the appeal. The coordinated effort of volunteers and professional teams, together with aerial support, contributed to the successful outcome.
Search organisers said both men were assessed at the scene by emergency responders and were in stable condition. No serious injuries were reported; rescuers gave first aid and arranged for transport to a nearby medical facility for further checks. Local emergency services praised the rapid co-operation between volunteer groups and official teams.
Volunteer-led search organisations such as Liza Alert play a major role in locating missing people across Russia, especially in remote or forested areas where conditions can deteriorate quickly. The use of thermal imaging drones and helicopter reconnaissance has become a standard part of such operations, improving the chances of locating lost persons before hypothermia or other hazards take hold.
Residents and officials urged caution for those planning outdoor excursions in winter. They reminded walkers to inform friends or family of planned routes, carry a charged mobile phone, dress appropriately for cold weather and keep pets under control. Simple precautions and prompt reporting of disappearances can make a crucial difference in search outcomes.
The rescue concluded a tense period for relatives and volunteers who had mounted round-the-clock searches. The successful recovery ahead of New Year’s Eve offered relief to the community and highlighted the value of well-coordinated volunteer efforts alongside professional services.
Key Takeaways:
- Leningrad forest rescue recovers a 45-year-old father and his 16-year-old son after a night in freezing conditions.
- Search involved 16 groups, including seven Liza Alert teams, seven Extremum units, two helicopters and thermal drones.
- The men sheltered overnight with two Rottweilers, which likely helped them survive the cold.
