The operation was triggered by a phone call from a worried mother, according to major media reports. One student had called parents and sounded clearly upset before the call dropped, prompting the mother to alert police. Police initially feared a possible avalanche or someone falling through ice, as an orange avalanche warning had been issued for the area.
The rescue operation involved Norwegian and Swedish police, Red Cross, and Norwegian People's Aid. Nordland county municipality set up a crisis staff. According to NRK Norge, the students were unaware they had triggered a major rescue operation.
Of course it is very scary when you get such a message. We knew nothing about what had happened.
" After Red Cross reached the cabin, Selfors confirmed: "No one needs help and no one is injured. " According to NRK Norge, rector Mette Sverdrup said the school would evaluate routines after the incident. Communication failures contributed to the alarm.
The teachers had two satellite phones, but both were turned off overnight to save battery, according to NRK Norge. The phones had been used extensively the day before to keep the school updated. " The trip, from Tuesday to Thursday, was part of the curriculum and planned, according to major media.
They had a satellite phone, but it was turned off during the night to save battery. They had used it a lot the day before to keep the school updated. The teachers had checked that all students were fine both before they went to sleep and early in the morning.
Students stayed in tents and used cabins for cooking and drying clothes. The rescue operation was cancelled and all units recalled. The class was on an overnight trip at Holmvassbu near the Riksgrensen, a remote area with limited connectivity.
The incident highlights the challenges of communication in Norway's wilderness, where even satellite phones can fail if not properly managed. The school has since reviewed its safety protocols to prevent similar misunderstandings in the future.
The most important thing now is that everyone is fine, but we must look at our routines and evaluate the incident afterwards.
Because there was a school class and teachers, we pressed the big button because we didn't know how serious the situation was or what had happened.
Now we have been in contact with students and teachers. No help from volunteers or rescue services is needed. We cancel the rescue operation and recall all units.
No one needs help and no one is injured. They will return from the trip as planned.
We have pressed the big button because we don't know how serious it is, or what has happened. It could be anything or nothing.
We have been in contact with students and teachers. There is no need for help from volunteers or rescue services. We cancel the rescue operation and recall all resources.
The area is in radio shadow for both Norwegian and Finnish transmitters. This is due to the topography. Some mountain ridges mean that the signals from the transmitters we have built in these areas do not reach here.
Coverage varies from marginal to none. The area is among the 11 percent of Norway without coverage, so I understand that it is difficult to reach people here.
A resource from the Red Cross has reached the cabin. They have been in contact with students and teachers, and there is no need for assistance from volunteers or emergency services. We cancel the rescue operation and recall all resources.