The Emergencies Committee under the Government of Tajikistan says a tragic incident occurred in the Nurek River on the night of December 21, 2025, when a group of six people, including residents of Nurek city, Girdobi village of Puli Sangin jamoat, and Yovon district, attempted to cross the river in a motorboat from the village of Dukon to the village of Girdobi. However, as they neared the shore, the boat capsized, throwing all passengers into the water.

Out of the seven people who fell into the river, four managed to escape alive. The survivors include:

1.     Badriddin Saidov, born in 1995, a resident of Girdobi village, Puli Sangin jamoat.

2.     Nazarbek Nazarov, born in 1995, a resident of Girdobi village, Puli Sangin jamoat.

3.     Kholmirzo Haqberdiyev, born in 1995, a resident of Girdobi village, Puli Sangin jamoat.

4.     Bosit Saidov, born in 1997, a resident of Girdobi village, Puli Sangin district.

Following reports of the incident, the emergency response team from the Khatlon regional emergency management department launched a search and recovery operation. The bodies of the deceased were eventually located and handed over to the relevant authorities.

In light of the incident, the Emergencies Committee is urging citizens who engage in boating on the river to adhere to safety regulations and ensure that their vessels are safe and appropriately equipped for winter conditions.

According to the Emergencies Committee, 91 people drowned and died in the bodies of water in Tajikistan during the first half of 2025. This is an increase of 5 people compared to the same period last year.

The rise in drowning incidents highlights ongoing concerns regarding water safety in the country. The authorities have urged citizens to exercise caution when swimming or engaging in water-related activities. The Emergencies Committee has also emphasized the need for better awareness of safety rules to prevent such tragedies.