Search for Missing Diver Near Roja Suspended; Police Cite Small Chance of Washing Ashore
The Latvian Coast Guard has ended the 38-hour search for a missing diver near Roja. The missing man has been identified as Jurijs Dmiščuks, born in 1965. Police say there is a small chance he could be washed ashore between Roja and Riga due to his heavy gear.
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On July 12, 2026, the Latvian Coast Guard received a report of a missing diver approximately 10 nautical miles northeast of Roja. A group of four divers had been diving at the wreck of the cargo steamer "Arnistons," which sank in 1931. Three divers surfaced safely, but the fourth could not be located.
The search involved multiple assets, including patrol boat "P-07," a rescue boat, border guard vessel "RK-29," a National Armed Forces air force aircraft, and an Estonian search and rescue helicopter. Despite exhaustive efforts spanning 38 hours, the diver was not found, and the search has been discontinued.
The missing individual is Jurijs Dmiščuks, a 59-year-old man described by fellow divers as highly experienced. According to the State Police, due to his heavy equipment, there is only a slight possibility that he might be washed ashore. If that occurs, it would likely be along the coast from Roja to Riga. Authorities urge anyone who spots him to call emergency number 112 immediately.
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