A large-scale search operation is continuing for the eighth consecutive day in Russia’s North Caucasus republic of Ingushetia, where rescuers and volunteers are searching for an eight-year-old boy who disappeared after saving his friend from drowning.
Based on local reports, thousands of people have joined what has been described as an unprecedented rescue effort to find Khizir Derbichev, whose whereabouts remain unknown since June 15.
The incident occurred near the village of Yandare on the banks of the Sunzha River. Khizir was walking along the river with two friends when one of the boys, identified as Adam, reportedly slipped and fell into the swollen, fast-moving waters.
Witnesses say the eight-year-old did not hesitate to act. Khizir jumped into the river and managed to push his friend back toward the shore, effectively saving his life. However, after rescuing the boy, Khizir was unable to overcome the powerful current himself and was swept away by the river.
Since then, emergency services, local authorities, volunteers and residents have been involved in an extensive search operation. Regional media reports that rescuers have deployed boats, drones, divers and specialized equipment in an effort to locate the missing child.
In a sign of the extraordinary scale of the search, authorities have reportedly begun altering the riverbed in one section of the Sunzha River to facilitate rescue efforts and improve visibility in areas where the current and sediment have complicated the operation.
Despite eight days of searching, no trace of the boy has yet been found. The story has drawn widespread attention across the North Caucasus and beyond, with many praising Khizir’s courage and self-sacrifice in saving his friend’s life.
Search efforts remain ongoing.
