Rescuers in Norway resume search for journalist missing in wilderness
Alec Luhn, a US-born reporter who has worked for the New York Times and the Atlantic and was a regular Russia correspondent for the Guardian from 2013 to 2017, was reported missing on Monday after he failed to catch a flight from Bergen.
The Norwegian broadcaster NRK said Luhn was holidaying with his family and had set out on his hike alone on 31 July from the outdoor centre of Ullensvang on the northern edge of the park, a 550km-squared wilderness in western Norway.
Local police told the public broadcaster a volunteer search and rescue team from the Red Cross, sniffer dogs, drones and police were all involved in the search on Tuesday after the operation had to be suspended late on Monday night.
'Weather conditions started to get really bad around midnight,' when a rescue helicopter was recalled, said Tatjana Knappen, an operations manager from Vestland police. 'It was not reasonable to continue the search up in the mountains.'
Knappem added that a strong gale was forecast again on Folgefonna on Tuesday but police hoped there would be 'a possible window both for a helicopter search and for getting volunteer crews in to search the area, which is very large'.
Luhn is an experienced mountain walker, fit and well-equipped, police said. His wife, the Emmy-award winning journalist Veronika Silchenko, posted on social media on Tuesday asking anyone who had seen him or had information to contact her.
This article includes content provided by Facebook. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. To view this content, click 'Allow and continue'.
Luhn, who among numerous awards also has two Emmy nominations, was based for many years in Moscow, then Istanbul and is now based in the UK. Specialising in climate journalism, he is a Pulitzer Center Ocean Reporting Network fellow.
Folgefonna, the third largest icecap in Norway, is on a peninsula famed for fjords, mountains, rivers, lakes and icefalls. It has been a centre for wilderness adventure since the 19th century, but parts are desolate and can be treacherous especially in poor weather.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
7 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Ghost beaches appear as high prices put sunseekers off EU country's seaside
Unlike in the UK where the vast majority of beaches are open to the public all year round and there is a culture of bringing picnics and wind‑breakers from home, renting loungers and parasols is a normal part of heading to the beach in Italy. Italian beaches are unusually empty this summer as high prices drive sunseekers away. Citizens of the boot‑shaped country appear to be snubbing beaches amid claims they are rebelling against the high prices charged by kiosk and sun‑bed owners. Unlike in the UK where the vast majority of beaches are open to the public all year round and there is a culture of bringing picnics and wind‑breakers from home, renting loungers and parasols is a normal part of heading to the beach in Italy. This comes after plans to stop influencers from flooding the Dolomites badly backfired. This year however, there has been a big slump in visitors to private stretches of beaches, the Guardian reports. In July, there was a 25% fall in beach‑goers, compared to the same month last year. The problem is particularly acute during the week, when the throngs of the weekend are increasingly replaced by empty stretches of sand. What's particularly worrying for business owners is that those who are going are spending less. Fabrizio Licordari, the president of Assobalneari Italia, said the problem is to do with the decreased spending power of Italians generally. 'Even with two salaries, many families struggle to reach the end of the month. In such circumstances, it's natural that the first expenses to be cut are those for leisure, entertainment and holidays," he told Ansa news agency. The price of hiring a sun‑lounger is a serious point of contention in Italy, in part due to sudden sharp increases. The cost has risen 17% in four years, according to the latest figures from the consumer group Altroconsumo. Those heading for a spot of relaxation in Lazio will end up spending at least €30 (£26) a day for two sunbeds and an umbrella. If you head for the more up‑market areas, such as parts of Puglia, you'll end up splashing out three times that much. According Si Viaggia, the title of most expensive beach in Italy in August goes to Alassio, in the north of the country. There, to enjoy the sea with a beach umbrella and two sun loungers positioned in the front rows, you have to fork out an average cost of €340 per week. Alessandro Gassmann, a famous actor in Italy, has started a debate at the cost of Italian beaches by posting a photo of a row of deserted sun‑beds. 'I read that the season is not going well. Maybe it's because the prices are exaggerated and the country's economic situation is forcing Italians to choose free beaches? Lower the prices and maybe things will get better," Allessandro wrote in the caption. Consumers association Codacons has argued that going to beach resorts had become 'a drain' on people's finances, suggesting that those profiting from renting beach furniture were 'shedding crocodile tears' when they complained of rising costs.
BBC News
11 hours ago
- BBC News
Walker suffers head injury in fall at Middle Black Clough
A walker suffered a serious head injury when he fell during a visit to a Peak District Mountain Rescue Team said it was called to the emergency at Middle Black Clough on Sunday evening, along with an air ambulance and coastguard injured man was assessed by medics at the scene and it was established he was well enough to be taken to hospital by added that rescue vehicles were held up by "obstructive parking" near the beauty spot and urged visitors to ensure access is kept clear in the future.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Daily Mail
Marius Borg Høiby has diplomatic passport revoked following sexual assault charges - after holidaying in Portugal with his stepfather Crown Prince Haakon
Marius Borg Høiby has had his diplomatic passport revoked, according to reports. It comes after the stepson of the heir to Norway's throne, Crown Prince Haakon, enjoyed a five-day holiday in Portugal with his stepfather and half brother Prince Sverre Magnus, 19. The specific reasons why had to surrender the passport, are unknown, according to national paper Se og Hør. However, the 28-year-old was recently charged with rape, sexual assault and bodily harm. He has been under scrutiny since he was repeatedly arrested in 2024 on preliminary charges. At the end of June, Oslo police announced charges against Høiby on multiple counts, including rape, sexual assault and bodily harm after a months-long investigation of a case that involved a 'double-digit' number of alleged victims. State Attorney Sturla Henriksbø has stated that, although it's difficult to predict, there will likely be clarity regarding the royal's charges by mid-August, Se og Hør reported. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed to Se og Hør last week that Høiby no longer has a diplomatic passport, but didn't answer specific questions about why. Høiby is reported to have had both a diplomatic and standard passport since he was young. While members of the Royal House have diplomatic passports, other members of the Royal Family use standard ones after turning 18, under new rules that came into effect around six months ago. Others who have the special documents include Prince Sverre Magnus, 19, Princess Märtha Louise, 53, and Princess Astrid, 93. This means that Marius Borg Høiby, as well as Princess Märtha Louise's three daughters, should travel using the normal Norwegian passports. Travelling with a diplomatic passport entitled the holder to special treatment at most airports globally - but there are rules stating that the document should not be misused. Høiby is only supposed to use his when travelling with other members of his family and it is not supposed to be used for private holiday trips. While the investigation into him was ongoing, the future king's stepson has made a number of domestic and international trips, including to Cannes, Italy, and Monaco. According to reports, it is believed that he used the diplomatic passport when travelling solo for his trips - which is misuse. According to Se og Hør, it is not known exactly when Høiby had to surrender the document, and it could have been as recently as six months ago. At the end of November last year, the 28-year-old was detained by police for a week, while they conducted an investigation into allegations against him - to ensure there was no tampering of evidence. Oslo Police Attorney Andreas Kruszewski said Høiby, who is the son of Princess Mette-Marit, was cooperative during police questioning, which is now complete. Evidence in the case was drawn from sources including text messages, witness testimonies and police searches, the police attorney said. The charges included one case of rape involving intercourse and two cases of rape without intercourse, four cases of sexual assault and two cases of bodily harm, Kruszewski said at a news conference. 'I cannot go into further detail about the number of victims in the case beyond confirming that it is a double-digit number,' he said. In an email, defence attorney Petar Sekulic said Høiby was 'absolutely taking the accusations very seriously, but doesn't acknowledge any wrongdoing in most of the cases - especially the cases regarding sexual abuse and violence.' The palace was quoted by the Norwegian newswire NTB as saying it would not comment while the case winds its way through the 'normal procedures.' In November, Prince Haakon addressed his stepson's arrest, telling Norwegian news outlet NRK: 'Marius is facing serious accusations, which the police and the judiciary will deal with. I am convinced they will do a good job. 'As a family and as parents, we have wanted Marius to receive help and we have been working for a long time to get him to a place where he can receive more help. 'It is something we give a lot of priority to. It must be done within the framework established by the legal system.' Høiby previously lived with the royal couple and their two children, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus, but now lives in a separate house nearby, according to Sekulic. Høiby remains free pending a possible trial and is entitled to a presumption of innocence until a court rules otherwise. Once known affectionately as 'Little Marius', Høiby grew up in the public eye, enjoying the same wealth and privilege as his royal siblings, although his biological father, Morten Borg, served time in prison for drugs and violent offences. Høiby has acknowledged cocaine use and addiction. Despite allegations, it was reported that Marius partied it up at Cannes Film Festival earlier this summer, according to Se og Hør. Høiby joined Norwegian businessman Per Morten Hansen, who is a good friend of his father, Morten Borg. He was also seen on board the 165-foot motor yacht 'Da Vinci', a speed marvel worth 20 million dollars and owned by entrepreneur and multi-billionaire Vincent Tchenguiz. After his trip at sea, the Crown Princess's son and his pals went to Île Sainte-Marguerite, a small island off the coast of Cannes. The spot is popular with celebrities such as Elton John, Leonardo DiCaprio, Beyoncé, and the Kardashians. They visited the very exclusive and private La Guérite beach club on the island, which can only be reached via boat. There, Høiby partied with businessman Rehan Syed, who lives a lavish lifestyle featuring fast boats and cars, as seen on his Instagram account. He has largely continued his life as normal since the charges came to light in August last year, and has since jetted off with friends to Hemsedal, Copenhagen and Italy. Among those who have come forward with allegations against him is national media personality Linni Meister, who attended a 'castle basement party' of Høiby's, where the 'attack' is said to have taken place; with police reported to have a video clip. The TV star, 39, reportedly did not remember the alleged assault and only became aware of it after she was informed by law enforcement officials. After the claims came out earlier this year, Linni stated the allegations were 'true' in a Snapchat statement. She has now hit out at Høiby's 'disrespect' in a podcast 'Puppen og Lillemor' with friend and co-host Mia Gundersen, 63. As reported by Se og Hor, Linni became emotional as she criticised the royal for 'running away and going to party' while 'victims' wait for justice. 'He has no respect for himself or his family. Not even for us victims. It's hurtful. What happened afterwards is almost worse for me,' she said tearfully in an episode. 'Instead of doing the right thing, he runs away and goes to a party. I am appalled by how things are being handled by the defendant. And why isn't more happening? It p***es me off! 'If we are going to have a monarchy, we have to be able to trust it. He is not even in a place where he takes care of his health. He travels from country to country to party!' Linni also admitted her heartbreak at the situation, considering she had felt Borg Høiby was a friend. Even when the police had presented her with 'evidence' of her own assault, she said she initially wondered if it had been forged by AI (artificial intelligence). 'Marius doesn't take anything seriously,' she added. 'Everything is like a game to him.' In a statement to the podcast, Borg Høiby's lawyer, Ellen Holager Andenæs, referred to an earlier statement made in light of Linni's earlier Snapchat 'confirmation'. 'I am unfamiliar with statements on social media, and of course I have no desire to have opinions about what is said there,' they said. 'I am concerned that Se og Hør sees reason to refer to that type of statement and reminds me of my call to reflect on the total media pressure in this case. 'I hope Se og Hør does not think of contacting me every time someone expresses themselves on social media. If so, I can only conclude that the bottom has not yet been reached.' The assault is reported to have taken place in 2018 at a 'party among friends' in the basement of Skaugum Castle 2018, when Borg Høiby was 21. He dubbed these 'Skaugum Festivals' and reportedly had criminal friends, including members of motorcycle gangs. After one of these parties, the home was burgled, when a motorcycle gang reportedly stole private items from the Norwegian Royal Family. Items, including silverware, are alleged to have been taken and then attempted to be sold via an auction house. The event is said to have become 'completely out of hand' and continued in the castle basement while Borg Høiby's stepfather, Crown Prince Haakon, slept upstairs. It was during the party that Borg Høiby allegedly raped Linni while she was unconscious, local media reported. Police became aware of the alleged crime after discovering three videos and more than 10 photos of the incident on Høiby's laptop, it was reported. Linni was informed about the alleged assault at the Oslo Police Station, where she was shown the reportedly incriminating evidence. Høiby was accused of rape by a fifth woman, who alleged that it had taken place after he was released from police custody for assaulting his girlfriend. In March, it was reported that another person had become 'involved in the case' and is said to have been questioned by police 'several times,' according to local outlet Aftenposten. This brought forward a new case of 'rape without intercourse', which allegedly took place late last year - when Borg Høiby was already facing a series of assault charges. 'I can confirm that I have been appointed as a legal aid lawyer for a woman in her 20s,' lawyer John Christian Elden said. 'Beyond that, I have no comment on the case.' That same week, the royal was spotted stepping out in Copenhagen looking unrecognisable, dying his hair dark from blonde and growing it out. The son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit has also spent time at rehab centres in London since his arrest.
