On August 26, 2023, a group of 25 tourists from various countries experienced a harrowing incident while exploring an ice cave in Iceland. The natural cave, situated beneath a glacier at Breidamerkurjokull, part of the expansive Vatnajokull ice cap, collapsed during their visit.
Vatnajökull, Europe's largest ice cap by volume, covers approximately 8% of Iceland's land area and is a significant part of Vatnajökull National Park, which was established in 2016 and encompasses 14% of the country. The glacier, with ice up to 1,000 meters thick in some areas, has been retreating due to climate change, forming unique features like ice caves.
The following day, August 27, 2023, authorities reported that one person had lost their life, while two others remained unaccounted for. One individual was transported to a medical facility in stable condition.
Sveinn Kristjan Runarsson, the chief of police for the Southern region, described the challenging rescue operation to broadcaster Stod 2:
"It's difficult to get equipment to the area, the rescue missions are therefore mainly done by hand, digging and breaking the ice."
The rescue efforts are primarily conducted manually due to the remote location and difficult terrain. Iceland's Search and Rescue teams, largely composed of volunteers, are known for their expertise in handling such challenging situations.
Ice caves in glaciers, formed by meltwater streams, are typically only safe to visit during winter months. The incident highlights the potential dangers associated with glacier tourism, which has grown significantly in Iceland in recent years.
Breiðamerkurjökull, an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull, has been retreating at an accelerating rate since the 1990s. This retreat has led to the formation of Jökulsárlón, a famous glacial lagoon that has become a popular tourist attraction.
As of August 2024, approximately one year after the incident, this event serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictable nature of glacial environments. It underscores the importance of safety measures and expert guidance when exploring these ever-changing ice formations.
The nationalities of those involved in the incident were not immediately disclosed by authorities. This tragic event has brought attention to the delicate balance between tourism and safety in Iceland's unique and sometimes hazardous natural environments.