Mazovia: Man Missing in Narew River Search Underway

2 August 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

A large search is underway after a missing man in Narew River near Pułtusk. Rescue teams deploy boats and divers.

Lead: A major search began after a missing man in Narew River was last seen near a bridge by the Pułtusk sewage plant. Consequently, firefighters, volunteers and specialist divers now scour the river by boat and from shore.

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What happened near Pułtusk

Emergency services received a report on Sunday that a man disappeared beneath the water near the local sewage treatment plant. Moreover, witnesses told responders they saw the man go under close to a bridge known locally as the Wyszków bridge. Therefore, the county State Fire Service (Państwowa Straż Pożarna, PSP) launched an immediate search operation.

In addition, volunteer fire brigades from Grabówiec and Głodowo joined the effort. The Wodnego Ochotniczego Pogotowia Ratunkowego (WOPR), which is Poland’s Water Volunteer Rescue Service, also sent crews. Consequently, police officers coordinate the site and control access to the riverbank.

Search methods and risks

Rescuers use two boats and teams working from shore. In addition, a specialist diving group is performing a systematic sweep of the riverbed. However, the search faces risks because the river current hides underwater hazards. For example, strong currents, eddies and sudden drop-offs can trap swimmers. Moreover, structures near bridges often create dangerous undertows and reverse currents.

Rescuers stress that rivers differ from lakes and seas. The flow hides obstacles and creates plumes of deep water near the bank. Therefore, divers proceed with caution and scan the riverbed methodically. In addition, police note that riverbeds change swiftly after storms and floods, which complicates recovery operations.

Why this matters beyond the local news

Firstly, this incident fits a worrying national trend. According to the Government Centre for Security, Poland recorded 122 drownings since April. Consequently, officials and rescue teams remain on high alert for summer incidents. Secondly, most victims are male, which reflects risky behavior near water.

Thirdly, rivers accounted for more drownings than lakes or the sea in recent data. Therefore, foreigners should treat inland waterways with as much caution as coastal spots. Moreover, areas near bridges and hydrotechnical works pose higher risks because they often hold unseen currents and debris.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you live in Poland, learn local emergency facts. Call 112 for any urgent rescue. In addition, know key institutions: PSP is the State Fire Service, WOPR rescues on water, and the police handle scene safety. Also, know simple Polish terms like mandat (fine) and PESEL (national ID number). For health care, NFZ means the National Health Fund, and ZUS is the social insurance office. Finally, avoid swimming near bridges, take a buoyancy aid if boating, and notify others if you plan to enter the water.

Rescue work continues at the Pułtusk site. However, crews have not yet found the missing man. Consequently, authorities asked locals to avoid the riverbank and to report any relevant information to the police.

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