Missing American Journalist Alec Luhn Battles Bad Weather in Norwegian National Park Search
Search and rescue teams are combating inclement weather and heavy downpours in their quest to locate missing American journalist, Alec Luhn. The experienced hiker, known for his solo excursions under challenging circumstances, vanished while trekking in Norway’s Folgefonna National Park.
Luhn’s wife, Veronika Silchenko, reported him missing on Monday, after he failed to board his return flight. In an interview with CNN, Silchenko disclosed that she last communicated with Luhn on Thursday, as he embarked on his hiking adventure in the park.
“We exchanged a few texts. He informed me about his plan to hike and sent a photo. He seemed fine, the weather was fine,” she recounted. However, this was their last conversation.
Silchenko admitted that she typically harbors concerns when Luhn embarks on hiking expeditions, but she remained reassured until several days later due to the unpredictable phone signal coverage in remote locations.
“I began to worry slightly on Sunday, but then I thought it was typical for Norway to be out of reach in the mountains, so I decided to wait and take action if he didn’t reconnect online on Monday,” she explained. “On Monday, we decided that we needed to contact emergency services because, under normal circumstances, he should have exited the park by then and could have accessed internet connectivity.”
The Norwegian Red Cross initiated a search operation on Monday, which expanded on Tuesday. According to Ingeborg Thorsland, a spokesperson for the organization, volunteers and search dogs were part of the mission. The operation encompassed a vast area, with heavy rainfall complicating navigation.
Thorsland revealed that approximately 30 volunteers from various organizations participated in the operation, with local teams well-versed in the terrain proving crucial due to its challenging nature under the adverse conditions. Drones were employed when weather permitted, and an alpine rescue group also joined the search efforts.
CNN reached out to the Norwegian police for comment.
Alec Luhn, aged 38, has contributed to notable publications such as National Geographic, The Guardian, The New York Times, and The Atlantic. Currently residing in London, he previously lived in Moscow and Istanbul.
“He is a compassionate and dear individual. He cherishes nature deeply and dedicated his career to covering climate change, particularly focusing on the ice and the Arctic,” Silchenko shared with CNN. “He’s very robust and adventurous, yet not reckless. Alec is my favorite person in the world, and I miss him dearly. I eagerly await his safe return.”