Two false Pyhäjärvi ice alerts prompt Tampere rescue

The first alert came after bystanders heard a sound on Pyhäjärvi between Viikinsaari, Pereensaari and the Rosendahl shoreline; rescuers conducted foot patrols and used a helicopter, ending the search about an hour later with nothing found. A second alert, about 30 minutes earlier, came from Hatanpään riverside path after a passerby spotted a movement 40–50 meters from the shore, but it turned out to be a large May Day balloon. Fire duty officer Tomi-Pekka Olkkonen says he also saw the figure on Näsinneula’s cameras, noting it was already dark and difficult to distinguish. The balloon was recovered from the ice and disposed of.

Olkkonen adds that milder weather has increased melt zones and a large crack near Pirkkala has formed on Pyhäjärvi; responders checked the area more carefully because of it. He cautions that if someone goes onto the ice now, they must know where they are and carry proper safety gear, starting with a knife, and keep phones and other devices in waterproof containers so they can be used in an emergency.