Four different ICE-SAR units participated in a large-scale rescue operation on Fimmvörðuháls trail, a highland trail which connects Skógar waterfall and Þórsmörk nature preserve north of Eyjafjallajökull glacier in South Iceland. The man was unharmed, but cold and exhausted.
A video published by ICE-SAR shows the conditions in the area yesterday.
Popular hiking trail
At half past three the man, who was hiking the popular hiking trail, called his family to let them know that he was unable to continue on his hike due to the cold and rain, and low visibility. Heavy rain and gale force winds were in the region at the time. The man was unable to give his location, but ICE-SAR and the Police were able to narrow his location down to an area close to Heljarkambur mountain ridge north-west of Mýrdalsjökull
Search and rescue teams were immediately dispatched, and shortly after five in the afternoon the man had been found. The Icelandic National Broadcasting Service reports that ICE-SAR units were able to reach the man on a six-wheel ATV, assisting him down from the mountains.
Read more: Travel Warning: Mountain roads in Southern Central Highlands closed due to heavy rain
The IRCA has warned that rivers in West and South Iceland, as well as those in the Central Highlands, have swelled due to yesterday's rain. Hikers are asked to show caution while crossing rivers.
Four different ICE-SAR units participated in a large-scale rescue operation on Fimmvörðuháls trail, a highland trail which connects Skógar waterfall and Þórsmörk nature preserve north of Eyjafjallajökull glacier in South Iceland. The man was unharmed, but cold and exhausted.
A video published by ICE-SAR shows the conditions in the area yesterday.
Popular hiking trail
At half past three the man, who was hiking the popular hiking trail, called his family to let them know that he was unable to continue on his hike due to the cold and rain, and low visibility. Heavy rain and gale force winds were in the region at the time. The man was unable to give his location, but ICE-SAR and the Police were able to narrow his location down to an area close to Heljarkambur mountain ridge north-west of Mýrdalsjökull
Search and rescue teams were immediately dispatched, and shortly after five in the afternoon the man had been found. The Icelandic National Broadcasting Service reports that ICE-SAR units were able to reach the man on a six-wheel ATV, assisting him down from the mountains.
Read more: Travel Warning: Mountain roads in Southern Central Highlands closed due to heavy rain
The IRCA has warned that rivers in West and South Iceland, as well as those in the Central Highlands, have swelled due to yesterday's rain. Hikers are asked to show caution while crossing rivers.
