In brief
Rescue operations continue in challenging weather conditions to locate Alec Luhn, a 38-year-old American journalist missing in Norway's Folgefonna National Park since Thursday.
Alec Luhn, a 38-year-old American journalist, has been missing for five days after disappearing while hiking solo in Folgefonna National Park, Norway. According to reports, Luhn was last in contact with his wife, Veronika Silchenko, on Thursday afternoon when he shared his hiking plans before setting off from the nearby town of Odda into the popular national park known for its stunning glacial landscapes. As search and rescue teams conduct operations under adverse weather conditions, they are bolstered by the use of dogs, drones, and skilled climbers. Ingeborg Thorsland, a representative from the Norwegian Red Cross, confirmed that rescue efforts are ongoing despite a storm hindering aerial search capabilities. Police Chief Oystein Torsnes highlighted the dangerous terrain encountered by searchers and the complexities introduced by the inclement weather. Veronika Silchenko noted that while it was typical for her husband to hike alone without communications, her concerns grew when he failed to return home as scheduled. Authorities were notified late Monday when Luhn did not board his return flight, prompting an immediate search effort that extended into the night. Describing Luhn as an experienced adventurer with a background in navigating challenging terrains across the globe, including oil fields and research missions, Silchenko expressed her deep worry. "I just want him back," she stated, revealing the emotional toll of the uncertainty. Luhn’s body of work includes contributions to various notable outlets such as The Guardian, Scientific American, and Vice News, with a focus on international reporting from diverse environments, including the Arctic. Rescue teams remain committed to locating Luhn as search efforts are set to continue until nighttime.
