A tourist buried by an avalanche in northern Norway has been pulled out alive in a “miracle” rescue after spending seven hours trapped beneath the snow, local media reported.
The man, described as being in his 40s or 50s, was found conscious under about 1.5 metres (5ft) of snow shortly after midnight in the municipality of Lyngen.
He had spent nearly seven hours in an air pocket – from where he had been able to call the police.
“People [buried under the snow] who survive an avalanche usually suffocate within 10 minutes,” Dr Audun Hetland, an avalanche researcher from the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, told the newspaper iTromsø. “Some survive longer. But seven hours is almost unique in history.”
Kristian Midtgard, a dog handler who – with his dog, Whiskey – found the man, told TV2: “It was very surprising that he was still alive.”
“All the statistics and experience say that it’s not possible when you stay buried for so long,” he added.
The mayor of Lyngen, Erik Larsen, quoted by the public broadcaster NRK, called it “a miracle”.
after newsletter promotion
The man was part of a group of three foreign tourists on a ski tour in a region where authorities warned there was a high risk of avalanches.
Another member of the trio was caught by the rushing snow and swept into the waters of a fjord below. He managed to get ashore and was able to contact authorities. A search operation is continuing for a woman who is still missing.
The nationalities of the tourists have not been disclosed.
