American climate journalist, Alec Luhn, has been found alive after vanishing during a hiking trip in Norway, according to a statement from the Norwegian Red Cross.
Luhn, who was hiking in the area near Folgefonna National Park, was located by a helicopter crew and promptly airlifted for medical attention, the organization announced via X on Wednesday.
“We are very, very happy! Many thanks to everyone in Norway who has helped to find him,” his wife, Veronika Silchenko, told Norwegian media outlet VG in a phone interview shortly after the rescue.
Hardanger police emergency manager Svein Buer said Luhn sustained injuries to his legs but did not elaborate on their severity.
Rescuers located the 38-year-old journalist at 11:34 a.m. local time on Wednesday.
According to the Red Cross, he was conscious but fatigued and visibly relieved to have been found.
“I can’t remember us finding someone alive after so many days. The search doesn’t always end like this – but today, it did. It’s a huge relief for everyone who’s been part of the effort,” said Stig Hope, a Red Cross volunteer and the head of the operations leadership team at Folgefonna.
Luhn, originally from Wisconsin and now based in London, was reported missing by his wife on Monday after he missed a scheduled flight home.
Silchenko told CNN that her last contact with him was on Thursday as he embarked on his hike. She noted that poor mobile reception in the region initially kept her from worrying.
The search resumed Wednesday morning with support from a large number of volunteers, specialized climbing units, and drones, according to a post by the Norwegian Red Cross earlier in the day.
The operation had been underway since Monday and expanded significantly by Tuesday due to the challenging terrain and heavy rainfall.
Luhn has reported for major international outlets such as National Geographic, The Guardian, The New York Times, and The Atlantic. He has previously lived in Moscow and Istanbul.