Body found on Mosken island during coastal cleanup

A body was discovered on the uninhabited island of Mosken between Lofoten and Værøy during a coastal cleanup operation, Dagbladet reports.

The find was made Friday by volunteers and staff from the organization In The Same Boat, which conducts annual cleanup efforts along roughly 70 percent of Norway’s coastline. It was the first time the group had encountered human remains.

“We were in the shoreline zone doing a routine cleanup. If something is there, we’ll find it,” said Rolf-Ørjan Høgset, the organization’s leader.

The discovery occurred in a remote area of Mosken, accessible only a few days a year and requiring specialized equipment. Høgset described the operation as nearly military in nature, using custom-built vessels, inflatable boats, and dry suits to reach otherwise inaccessible stretches of coast.

Though the organization has protocols for serious finds, Høgset acknowledged the emotional impact. “There was no drama in the moment, but it’s hard to be mentally prepared. It was brutal,” he said.

Nordland police confirmed the body was found around 2 p.m. Friday. An investigation was conducted at the scene, and the remains will undergo autopsy to determine identity, time of death, and possible cause. Authorities have not yet linked the body to any missing person reports.

The cleanup team, which included nine people on the day of the find, has since been offered professional support. “We can’t expect people to speak up if they’re struggling. We’ll actively address this and provide access to professionals,” Høgset said.

Despite the distress, he noted a possible positive outcome: “It may mean someone gets closure and a grave to visit.”