Missing Norwegian hiker likely swept away in river: RCMP

Manitoba RCMP are operating under the assumption a Norwegian hiker who went missing in a remote part of the province’s northeast was swept away in a river.

Steffen Skjottelvik, 29, set out on foot from Fort Severn, Ont., on July 25 with his two dogs and a plan to trek roughly 300 kilometres northwest to York Factory, along the Hayes River.

Skjottelvik’s last known contact came Aug. 14, about 20 kilometres outside of York Factory. He never reached his destination.

RCMP spokesman Sgt. Paul Manaigre said Mounties have received co-ordinates from the manufacturer of Skjottelvik’s GPS device.

(The co-ordinates) are believed to be the last contact his GPS had with a satellite, which was directly on the shore of the Hayes River, located just to the northeast of York Factory,” Manaigre said Wednesday.

“I would like to hope for a positive outcome but I have to be realistic as well to suggest it’s almost been a week without contact with him, we have to assume he was swept away in the river when he attempted to cross it.”

Manaigre said the RCMP dive team has been contacted about potentially assisting, but he hadn’t heard back on whether the team has agreed.

“Due to the large area that would have to be searched and the dangers associated with this river, I don’t see it being feasible to conduct a water search at this time,” he said.

RCMP, Manitoba Conservation officials and local volunteers began small-scale searches for the hiker over the weekend, as the rugged and isolated terrain prevented a larger operation. The searches included the use of a drone.

In a Facebook update on July 18, Skjottelvik said he had come across beluga whales and polar bears during his journey.

Skjottelvik called the trek “intense” and said he had to scare off several bears that got too close.

Another Facebook page entitled Steffen’s Great Canadian Journey indicated Skjottelvik intended to cross some of the country’s most demanding northern landscapes, travelling from James Bay to Nome, Alaska, over a period of three to five years beginning in 2023.

Skjottelvik was described as an experienced wilderness traveller, according to information Mounties received.

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca