Witnesses Describe Circumstances of Motiejus Lisauskas's Death: 'They Simply Didn't Pay Attention'

Eyewitnesses recounted the tragic events leading to the death of Motiejus Lisauskas on the northern beach of Nida. Several beachgoers and staff observed the incident. Witnesses reported that the group of three stripped and entered the water, despite very rough conditions and a red flag signaling that swimming was prohibited.

The trio swam out to a buoy, but only two were visible afterward. Lifeguards, who had been monitoring the swimmers, immediately launched a jet ski to bring them back to shore, as they had been warned about dangerous currents. Upon arrival, two individuals were seen moving towards the shore, but the third person was missing.

"When they reached the buoy, which marks the boundary beyond which swimming is forbidden, a lifeguard jet ski was called to urge them back to shore. When the jet ski arrived, two people were observed moving towards the shore on their own. The third person was not visible. After some time, he was seen floating," stated Laimonas Žemaitis, head of "Paslaugos Neringai," the company responsible for Neringa lifeguards.

Rescuers attempted to revive the 30-year-old Lisauskas after he was brought to shore, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Medical personnel arrived minutes after the victim was pulled from the water. Witnesses expressed sadness that festivities continued nearby as if nothing had happened, with some noting that the red flag seemed to be treated as mere decoration.

Lisauskas was a well-known figure in the extreme sports community, having won championships in skiing and other competitions. He was also active in promoting wakeboarding and snowboarding and worked as a coach. His death is considered a rare tragedy for Neringa, although drownings do occur, with the last fatal incident reported in 2021.