Emergency services are conducting a search operation for two missing skiers near Hovden in Agder, Norway. The individuals, both men in their fifties, were last seen in the Mjåvatn area around 11 a.m. on Saturday, according to a police statement. Mjåvatn is situated along the county border between Telemark and Agder.
Three snowmobiles have been deployed to assist in the search efforts. Police operations leader Frode Vang told VG that the men’s family grew concerned later in the day and contacted authorities shortly after 6 p.m. Officials indicated the missing skiers are familiar with the local terrain. Eivind Bø from the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre South-Norway confirmed that rescue helicopter Sar Queen has arrived at the scene. "They left without a clear plan, but we’re treating this as if they may be in distress," Bø said. Weather conditions in the area are currently favorable.
Volunteer organizations including Norwegian People's Aid, the Red Cross, the Scouts, and the Civil Defense are also supporting the operation. The search is focused on the area toward Mjåvatn and further west toward the Sloaros tourist cabin. Police first reported the incident at 8:04 p.m.