Rescuers evacuate sick member of singing group from mountain pass

About 60 rescuers took part in a major operation on Fimmvörðuháls, a mountain pass, on Friday after a member of a singing group crossing the pass suddenly fell ill, mbl.is reported, citing the rescue organisation Landsbjörg.

The emergency call was received shortly after 5.30pm. Because of the group’s location and the nature of the illness, rescue teams across South Iceland and mountain rescuers from Vestmannaeyjar were dispatched with the highest priority. A helicopter crew from the Icelandic Coast Guard was also called out.

Heavy fog, low cloud and poor visibility on Fimmvörðuháls meant the helicopter could not reach the patient. It landed at the airfield in Skógar and remained on standby in case the patient had to be transported urgently.

The first rescue teams arrived at about 7pm. The patient’s condition was then considered fairly stable, and ambulance personnel from the South Iceland Healthcare Institution provided care.

The patient was in a steep slope more than 1,000 metres above sea level, shortly east of Fimmvörðuskáli mountain hut. Rescuers set up safety lines and moved the patient down the slope, where snow, ice and steep terrain made access difficult. About an hour later, the patient had been brought to a rescue vehicle, which transported him to an ambulance. His condition was assessed as not requiring helicopter transport.

Several members of the group and relatives were also brought down from the pass. Rescuers additionally assisted a traveller who had been left at Baldvinsskáli hut because of back pain and did not feel able to continue. The operation was largely completed at about 10pm.