Red Cross Assists Two Teenagers Stranded on Sveningen Mountain in Bjørnafjorden

Bjørnafjorden, Norway – A rescue operation is underway on Saturday evening for two 17-year-olds who became stranded near the summit of Sveningen mountain in Bjørnafjorden municipality. The teenagers, a boy and a girl, sought shelter in a shed as conditions deteriorated.

Rescue Efforts Underway

According to Frode Kolltveit, operations leader at the West police district, the rescue operation was initiated after the police were notified at 6:28 PM local time. Representatives from the Red Cross are ascending the mountain to assist the teens. Bergens Avisen and NRK are reporting on the situation.

Challenging Conditions

The rescue is being hampered by difficult weather conditions, including darkness, dense fog, and significant snowfall. Kolltveit stated that it is safest for the teenagers to remain stationary while the Red Cross team makes its way to their location. As of 10:30 PM, the Red Cross team was in the final, steep section before reaching the summit. VG reports that the teens have some mobile phone battery life, allowing for occasional communication with the police via SMS.

Teenagers Safe and Accounted For

The teenagers are reported to be somewhat cold but are not injured. They began their hike from Lønningdal and took refuge in a shed when conditions worsened and darkness fell. They were accompanied by a dog. Sveningen mountain stands at 842 meters (approximately 2,762 feet) above sea level, and the teenagers are located just below the peak. Bergens Tidende confirms the teens’ location and condition.

Rescue Team Reaches Those Stranded

As of midnight, the Red Cross rescue team had reached the stranded teenagers. Kolltveit expressed optimism that the rescue operation would be successful, noting that communication has been maintained and the teens are aware that aid is on the way.