Two hikers rescued after ice breaks beneath their tent in Bothnian Sea

Two hikers were rescued from the open sea between Oulu and Luulaja, Sweden, after the ice beneath their tent broke overnight. The Western Finland Coast Guard initiated a rescue operation following an emergency beacon alert, with assistance from Swedish rescuers.

The hikers, a German man and woman, had been skiing and camping on the ice of the Bothnian Sea. The ice broke during the night, causing all their equipment to fall into the water. They managed to escape to solid ice but had little time to gather any belongings.

The rescue involved a helicopter and a surveillance aircraft from Finland, as well as a helicopter from Sweden. Weather conditions in the area were reported to be extremely challenging.

The hikers had set out on their journey on March 9th and were rescued approximately 150 kilometers from Oulu. Their intended route was from Oulu to Luulaja.

Source: Yle