Couple fined after accidentally fishing across Lithuania-Belarus border

Lithuanian border guards apprehended a couple for unintentionally crossing the state border into Belarus while fishing on the Purvėnai reservoir. The incident occurred on Friday morning near the village of Purvėnai in the Šalčininkai district.

Border surveillance systems detected the couple, a 48-year-old woman and a 51-year-old man, both residents of the Šalčininkai district, navigating the reservoir in a boat. They crossed the clearly marked border, delineated by buoys, and entered Belarusian territory by approximately 10 meters before turning back to the Lithuanian side.

When questioned by border guards, the couple explained that the border crossing was accidental. Authorities initiated administrative proceedings for the negligent crossing of the state border. Both individuals were subsequently fined the minimum penalty of 35 euros each.

The State Border Guard Service (VSAT) used the incident to remind the public about regulations for individuals operating on border waters. Those intending to navigate these waters without leaving Lithuanian territory must be registered on a specific list of individuals permitted in the border zone, strip, and waters. Furthermore, it is mandatory to pre-notify the duty officer at the nearest VSAT unit about the departure location and time, the number and citizenship of individuals on board, the intended navigation area, and the expected return time. Upon returning, notification of arrival is also required.

Border guards urged extreme caution when on border waters, emphasizing the importance of not crossing the state border line marked by buoys.

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The couple explained that they crossed the border by accident.