Rescue Teams Search for Missing Child after Struma River Tragedy in Bulgaria

A fatal incident occurred on Friday afternoon near the village of Pastuhse, close to Kjustendil, Bulgaria, when an elderly couple attempted to rescue three children who entered a deep whirlpool in the Struma River. The couple drowned, an 11‑year‑old girl was found dead, a 6‑year‑old boy was rescued, and an 8‑year‑old boy remains missing.

Rescue operations were halted overnight but resumed early Saturday with a specialized diver team from Sofia, sonar‑equipped boats, unmanned drones and additional volunteers. Authorities from the fire service, police, mountain rescue, and local volunteers responded within an hour of the emergency call. The regional governor, Atanas Gerginov, said the river’s hidden currents are extremely dangerous and called for clearer signage or legislative measures to protect such hazardous water bodies.

The missing boy was the one who raised the 112 emergency call after climbing to the main road. He is currently in shock but unharmed. Search crews continue to sweep the river downstream using all available technical resources.