As the number of people vacationing along the Caspian Sea coast increases during the summer season, reports of drownings are also becoming more frequent. As incidents of drowning in the sea rise, various explanations are being put forward. One of these claims is related to changes in the seabed's surface.
According to some beachgoers, the seabed near the shore has lost its original form and developed a “step-like” structure. Such a formation increases the risk of drowning, particularly for people who cannot swim well. Individuals move in shallow water at first, but after taking only a few steps, they suddenly encounter deeper water. This poses a serious danger, especially for weak swimmers.
So, why has the seabed changed in this way? Has this phenomenon always existed, or have there been recent changes in the coastal relief?In an interview with Sfera.az, Said Safarov, Head of the Laboratory of the Geography of the Caspian Sea at the Institute of Geography under the Ministry of Science and Education, stated that although the number of drowning cases has indeed been increasing in recent years, it would be incorrect to attribute this issue to a single factor.
According to him, several factors contribute to the problem:
“To be honest, this is the first time I have heard that the seabed has become ‘step-like.’ If such a situation exists, the main reason is the continuous retreat of the sea. If we compare the current coastline with that of 20 or 30 years ago, we can see that in some areas the sea has receded by 100–200 meters, and in others by as much as 300 meters. Particularly in areas outside designated beaches, when the sea level was normal, the places where people swam were much closer to the shore. Now that the shoreline has shifted seaward, previously submerged and poorly understood areas have become exposed. In the past, only highly experienced swimmers would venture into these deeper areas. Today, however, these deep zones have effectively moved closer to the shore, turning them into potential hazards for beachgoers. This mainly concerns areas not intended for swimming.”
Mr. Safarov noted that drowning incidents also occur on officially designated beaches:
“The reasons may also be related to personal factors. For example, a person may have consumed alcohol or may suddenly lose consciousness while swimming. Therefore, swimming on windy days is strongly discouraged. Wind-driven waves push water toward the shore, and there may be relief formations near the coast where part of this water accumulates. People cannot see this because the sand beneath the water conceals it. Once a certain amount of water builds up, it suddenly finds an outlet and rushes back to the sea at great speed. Imagine a swimming pool that is filled with water and then its drain plug is suddenly removed—the water is sucked out with tremendous force. A similar phenomenon occurs in the sea, creating a powerful rip current. A strong reverse current forms within a narrow strip. The area may not even be very deep—the water level may be below a person's neck—yet the individual suddenly feels the current pulling them out to sea. Instinctively, they try to swim against the current but quickly become exhausted and lose their strength, eventually succumbing to the water. This is one of the main causes. Such incidents are not unique to our shores. Similar cases frequently occur in the Dagestan region, including Makhachkala and Derbent.”
The expert also pointed out another possible reason why people suddenly encounter deep water near the shore:
“Recently, I have seen reports on the internet indicating that in some places the seabed is being excavated. Marine sediments and sand used for construction are being extracted. As a result, empty depressions remain on the seabed. A person swimming in such an area may suddenly step into one of these deep cavities. Because this happens unexpectedly, it poses a major risk, especially to people who cannot swim. Even experienced swimmers may become confused, thinking, ‘There is not supposed to be deep water here—why did I suddenly sink?’”
The Doctor of Geographical Sciences urged people not to enter the sea during windy weather under any circumstances:
“From this perspective, the windy weather conditions observed in recent days significantly increase the danger of swimming in the sea. Whenever possible, people should avoid swimming during such weather. Seeing the tragic fate of those who drown should make others realize that entering the sea on windy days is extremely dangerous.”