Hunter Found After Intense Search And Rescue Operation

A ptarmigan hunter who went missing last weekend has been found safe and sound at the end of one of Iceland’s most extensive search and rescue operations.

Vísir reports that some 450 rescuers, hailing from every corner of the country, took part in the mission to find Friðrik Rúnar Garðarsson, who went missing while hunting for ptarmigans last weekend. He has since been found safe and sound, in part due to his own efforts to stay alive.

While Friðrik lacked a communication device, as the weather worsened and the snow deepened, Friðrik dug into the snow and nestled inside a cavity he made, with his dog to help keep him warm. There, he hid and slept for two nights.

Garðar Sigurvaldason, Friðrik’s father, told reporters that he was “anxious, helpless and defeated” during the search efforts. Once Friðrik was brought back home, Garðar says he “almost did backflips”, laughed and cried tears of joy.

The original mission of Friðrik’s outing – to hunt ptarmigans – did succeed, in a way. He reportedly caught on ptarmigan, which he used as a pillow while taking shelter in the snow.