Rescue helicopter redirected from Kópasker to Sólheimajökull due to accident

A rescue helicopter from Iceland’s Coast Guard was en route to Kópasker to retrieve an injured hiker when it received another call regarding an accident on the Sólheimajökull glacier. The helicopter was redirected to the glacier site.

According to a spokesperson for the Coast Guard, the decision was made to send the aircraft to Sólheimajökull because access to the accident site near Kópasker was deemed more difficult. A second Coast Guard helicopter is on standby in case conditions change or further assistance is needed.

This evolving situation highlights the challenges rescue teams face in Iceland’s rugged terrain, particularly during the summer months when tourism peaks and hiking accidents tend to increase. The Coast Guard is actively monitoring the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available.