Icelandic Search and Rescue Helicopter Unit responds to surge in emergency calls

In the past 24 hours, the Icelandic Search and Rescue Helicopter Unit has responded to five emergency calls, marking an unusually busy period for the service. The summer months have proved to be particularly demanding, with a significant increase in operations compared to previous years.

Recent missions included the medical evacuation of a sick passenger from a cruise ship in the Westfjords and assisting an individual who lost consciousness at Þingvellir National Park. According to Ásgeir Erlendsson, a spokesperson for the unit, if current trends continue, this year could see a record number of callouts.

The helicopter unit has already handled 160 emergency calls in the last four months alone—about 20 more than the same period last year, which was previously considered a record year for the service. Ásgeir notes that anticipating the reasons behind the surge in callouts is challenging, but population growth and increased tourism likely play significant roles.

He elaborates that while the relative proportion of land versus sea callouts remains consistent at approximately 70% on land and 30% at sea, the overall number of incidents has risen sharply. The heightened demand for helicopter services is indicative of a broader trend related to Iceland’s growing visitor numbers and local demographics.