Search and rescue crews have found the body of a French tourist who fell into a river by Sveinsgil ravine in the southern Icelandic highlands Tuesday night, RÚV reports. The man was crossing the river on an ice ridge, along with another man, when he slid and fell into the river, which carried him under the ridge.
The search for him was among the most extensive ones rescue teams have undertaken in a long time. More than 200 rescue workers took part in the effort, which involved digging through thick ice to access the river and sending divers under the ice ridge.
The Icelandic Coast Guard helicopter transported rescue workers to and from the site, as they took turns digging through the ice. Chain saws and explosives had to be used in places to get through the ice, which is 20 m (66 feet) thick where it is the thickest.
The South Iceland police thanks all those who participated in the search.
