Authorities investigate false emergency call involving tourists in Kerlingarfjöll mountains, Iceland

Authorities are still investigating a false emergency call involving two tourists reported stranded in a cave in the Kerlingarfjöll mountains last week. As per Icelandic law, misleading the police and rescue teams in this manner can result in fines and imprisonment for up to three months.

The distress signal was received through the online chat system of the emergency line, and the South Iceland police are currently tracing its origin. “We are examining specific indicators in the notification. There are no loose ends remaining after this extensive search,” said Sveinn Kristján Rúnarsson, chief of police in South Iceland, prior to the weekend.

A considerable rescue operation was mobilized in response to the call, involving nearly 200 rescue volunteers who searched for almost 24 hours. A similar incident occurred about twenty years ago, but Sveinn noted that such pranks can usually be identified quickly.

The police urge anyone with information regarding the incident to contact them at 444-2000 or via email at [email protected].