Norwegian trekker likely swept away in fast-moving Manitoba river, police say

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This article was published 20/08/2025 (221 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

YORK FACTORY – Manitoba RCMP say it is believed a Norwegian trekker who disappeared last week while on a cross-continental journey of the Canadian wilderness tried to cross a fast-moving river and was swept away in the process. 

Searchers believe Steffen Skjottelvik may have tried to cross the Hayes River near York Factory, Man., after embarking on a multi-day excursion from Fort Severn, Ont., police said.

The 29-year-old had set out on foot with his two dogs last month with plans to arrive in York Factory on Friday, but he never made it. 

RCMP Sgt. Paul Manaigre said the Hayes River is almost two kilometres wide with an extremely fast current, making the trek impossible when factoring in the heavy rain the area received.

Police obtained what are believed to be the last co-ordinates where Skjottelvik’s GPS device was connected to satellites, he said in an email.

“He was directly on the east side shore of the Hayes River, located approximately 4.4 kms from York Factory,” Manaigre said. 

Manaigre said efforts are being made to send in a few more officers to help with a shoreline search and that police are also looking into sending in a dive team.

However, he said the search area would be “extremely large” and that if Skjottelvik was swept into the river, he would be in the Hudson Bay by now.

“If we are able to narrow down a particular area of interest to search, this is something that they could entertain,” he said.

Officers and locals have been searching the area using drones, boats and helicopters due to the treacherous conditions and potential encounters with wildlife including polar bears and wolves. 

RCMP say an officer has been in contact with Skjottelvik’s family and the Norwegian Embassy in Ottawa.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 20, 2025.