In brief
Rescue teams have engaged in a challenging search for Alec Luhn, a 38-year-old American journalist missing since last Thursday in Folgefonna National Park, Norway. Luhn was last in contact with his wife, Veronika Silchenko, shortly before embarking on a solo hike into the park, known for its breathtaking landscapes and a prominent glacier.
As inclement weather hampered search operations, rescuers deployed dogs, drones, and skilled climbers in an attempt to locate Luhn. Authorities were unable to utilize helicopters due to storms, according to police chief Oystein Torsnes. Search efforts commenced late Monday night and resumed at dawn on Tuesday, with plans to continue until sunset. Silchenko shared that Luhn, an experienced hiker, had sent her his itinerary prior to his departure. While she acknowledged the sporadic phone service in the park might delay communication, her concern grew over the weekend when Luhn missed his return flight home. Eventually, she contacted Norwegian authorities for help. Expressing her anguish, Silchenko stated, "I just really want him back. I can’t sleep or eat properly. It’s very hard not to know anything." Luhn has a history of navigating difficult environments for his reporting on topics ranging from oil fields in Texas to regions in Somalia and Arctic explorations. His works have featured in various renowned publications, including The Guardian and Vice News. As the search continues, hope remains that Luhn will soon be found safe.
