Nine tourists from the US and UK rescued after kayak accident in Norway
Rescuers pulled nine American and British kayakers from the cold waters of the Sognefjord after they capsized in waves between Haukasen and Revsnes.
Photo: Thomas Mues, CC BY-SA 2.0
NORWAY, Kaupanger — On June 29 at 14:17 local time, the rescue center received a report that a group of kayaks had capsized between Haukasen and Revsnes in the Sognefjord.
Nine tourists from the US and the UK, who were traveling with guides, ended up in the water amid strong winds and waves about one meter high. Wearing wetsuits and life jackets, they stayed close to their kayaks but were rapidly getting cold.
A police boat, firefighters with divers, the rescue boat RS “Aurland,” and a passing ferry were dispatched to the scene.
By 14:45, rescuers confirmed that all had re-entered their kayaks, but still decided to evacuate the group.
At 14:57, five were taken into a small boat, and at 15:19, the rest were brought to the harbor in Kaupanger, where medics and police were waiting. Medical checks confirmed only mild hypothermia and no injuries.
At 16:06, the operation was completed: the tourists were transported back to their hotel by minibus, and all emergency services returned to normal duties.