An exercise for the Danish inspection vessel “Vædderen” (the Ram) was interrupted when an icicle collapsed in Iceland, leading to a tragic incident. According to Camilla Schouw Broholm, the press officer at the Arctic Command, the ship’s helicopter was instrumental in transporting rescue teams and equipment to the accident site on Sunday.

“Vædderen” was participating in an exercise in Iceland when a request for assistance came from the Icelandic authorities. The ship possesses a helicopter that was quickly deployed to bring the necessary resources to the cave. The Icelandic rescue team was thus evacuated and provided assistance in the cave rescue operation, Camilla Schouw Broholm stated on Monday afternoon.

The accident occurred near the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, which is part of Vatnajökull National Park in southeastern Iceland. One tourist was tragically pronounced dead at the scene, and another person was found seriously injured. Two other tourists are still reported missing, and the search efforts continue.

According to the Icelandic media outlet RUV, up to 60 people were involved in the rescue operations at the ice cave, with three teams alternately working to break down the ice. Iceland’s Chief of Police, Sveinn Rúnar Kristjánsson, stated to RUV that the rescue conditions at the glacier were challenging but assured that the safety of the rescue teams was a top priority. The intensive search and rescue efforts for the two missing individuals are ongoing with undiminished determination.