"Experienced guide": what is known about Andrei Spiridonov, implicated in Tuluma tragedy

After the disappearance of a tourist from Belarus during ice-floating on the Tuluma River, investigative authorities initiated a criminal case. The case implicated guide Andrei Spiridonov—it was he who organized the extreme entertainment during which the woman was swept away by the current. Who he is and how he worked is detailed below.

Andrei Spiridonov is a private guide who offered ice-floating services in the Murmansk region. The extreme tour was found by tourists on a popular classifieds website. The cost of participation was about 4,000 rubles (about $44 at current exchange rates) per person, and payment was accepted in cash. No contracts or receipts were issued to participants.

According to media reports, the briefing before the swim was virtually absent; tourists were told to put on their gear and immediately head to the bathing site. The swim took place on the Tuluma River—one of the most dangerous rivers in the region, known for its strong underwater currents and the fact that it does not freeze even in severe frosts.

After the criminal case was initiated, journalists from 51.RU contacted Andrei Spiridonov by phone, but he declined to comment.

«I will not give any comments,» he said.

Meanwhile, on the Yandex Services platform, one can still find advertisements for his offerings. In the description, Spiridonov is presented as an «experienced certified guide with ten years of experience».

The investigation established that the wetsuits used by Spiridonov had not undergone the mandatory annual inspection. Their use was prohibited. Moreover, there were no rescue posts, boats, buoys, or ropes on site, and the group of several people was supervised by only one instructor who was in the water.

Earlier, we detailed what will happen to ice-floating across the country after the tragedy in the Murmansk region.