The Disappearance
Alec Luhn, a 38 year old American climate journalist originally from Wisconsin, set out on a solo, four day backpacking trip beginning July 31 in Folgefonna National Park a rugged, glacier-covered wilderness in western Norway (The Washington Post, TIME). As a seasoned outdoorsman and award winning correspondent for major outlets including The New York Times, The Atlantic, National Geographic, The Guardian, and others, Luhn regularly reported from some of the most remote and frigid regions of the world (The Washington Post, The Guardian, People.com).
He had shared his planned route, including stops at mountain cabins in the park, with his wife Veronika Silchenko herself a journalist (The Washington Post). When he failed to board a flight from Bergen back to London on August 4, she raised the alarm and reported him missing to Norwegian authorities (The Washington Post, People.com).
Search and Rescue Operation
A large-scale and complex search mission was launched, involving the Norwegian Red Cross, police, volunteer teams, climbing experts, search dogs, drones, and helicopters (The Guardian, People.com, TIME). The rugged terrain of Folgefonna, notorious for its fast-flowing rivers, crevasses, and unpredictable weather with heavy rain, high winds, and poor visibility severely hindered efforts (The Guardian, TIME, The Independent, People.com). Authorities were forced to suspend aerial searches on multiple occasions due to deteriorating conditions (The Guardian, ABC News, The Sun).
Discovery and Rescue
On Wednesday morning, August 6, a helicopter crew located Luhn alive. Despite a serious leg injury, he was conscious, physically stable, and described as “seriously but not critically injured.” He had survived at least six nights in the wilderness, enduring harsh conditions with minimal food and water (The Guardian, People.com, TIME). According to The Guardian, he had managed five days with very little sustenance before being found at approximately 11:34 a.m. local time and was quickly airlifted to Haukeland Hospital in Bergen (The Guardian).
Some reports paint even more dramatic details Luhn reportedly broke his femur early in the hike, survived by consuming just two chocolate bars and rainwater, and finally attracted rescuers’ attention by waving his bright red jacket(Globedge).
Reactions and Context
Luhn’s wife and family expressed immense relief and gratitude for the rescue teams and volunteers. Silchenko called the outcome a “miracle,” stating that it was “the best day of my life.” His mother echoed the sentiment, noting that he was in good health aside from his leg injury (People.com, TIME). Rescue organizers, including the Red Cross, described finding someone alive after so many challenging days as a rare and heartening outcome (The Guardian, People.com).
Profile: Alec Luhn
Luhn, currently based in the UK but originally from Wisconsin, is widely respected for his environmental and climate journalism. He has reported from Siberia, the Arctic Ocean, Canada, Alaska, and other extreme environments. He is a Pulitzer Center fellow, a former Russia correspondent for The Guardian, and has earned accolades including Emmy nominations (The Washington Post, The Guardian, TIME).
Summary
Alec Luhn a seasoned American climate journalist vanished during a solo hike in Norway’s glacier clad Folgefonna National Park on July 31 and was reported missing after he failed to catch a flight on August 4. A major rescue operation, despite being hindered by terrible weather and terrain, succeeded: he was found alive with a leg injury on August 6 and airlifted to a Bergen hospital. His rescue, hailed as miraculous by loved ones and rescuers alike, underscores both his resilience and the dedication of the search teams.
