A massive search and rescue operation is currently underway in Iceland, as a four-seater plane carrying three tourists and one pilot disappeared yesterday morning while flying over Heiðmörk in the direction of Þingvallavatn, RÚV reports. The plane has not been heard from since around noon yesterday.
Some 500 people, including multiple helicopters, are participating in the search to find any traces of the plane or its passengers, involving the police, rescue workers and the Icelandic Coast Guard.
The search area is focused primarily on the area south of Þingvallavatn, based on GSM signals. An unnamed foreign telecom has aided the search and provided more detailed location information regarding where the signals are coming from. Divers have also been deployed.
While weather conditions are fair in the area, there is considerable snow and slush around the area, which is complicating recovery efforts. However, the search is continuing diligently, with a sentiment best summed up by Davíð Már Bjarnason, the spokesperson for the rescue squad Landsbjörg:
“This little national spirit and this solidarity that is in people. Everyone is always available and ready to help, whether it is letting people in, lending equipment, protective gear or personnel. There’s no one who doesn’t care when a plane is lost.”
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