They just go on an annual fishing trip on a small island in the Orkla river in Trndelag. But then the water rose. 11 people had to be rescued by helicopter.
It was a good gathering of relatives and friends enjoying their annual fishing trip in Trettøya on the Orkla river in the municipality of Orkland on a Saturday night. It is possible to drive to the small island when the water level in the river is low.
Harald Gimseng, 64, said that they monitor the water level in the river around the clock and put measuring sticks in the river, but the river is growing very little.
At 9 pm, the night changed dramatically. While fishing and grilling food, the river suddenly started to rise.
– Some of us drive our car in a safe place. Or at least that’s what we think, says Tor ge Skinstad.
However, when Skinstad parked his car on land, he saw that the river was stronger than previously thought and that the water was also rising where he was.
Seriousness strikes Skinstad when he realizes that eleven people are still trapped on the island.
– When we try to save people, I have to put my feet down. It didn’t work, the current was so strong that I would be carried away by it.
– It took no more than maybe ten minutes, a quarter of an hour before the river was so big that it was almost impossible to cross with the waders, said Gimseng.
Past Address the first to mention the case.
Trees and logs flowing in the river
When they learn that they need help getting to safety, they first try to find out if any of their acquaintances can help, but soon learn that they must call an emergency number.
– When the rescue crew took over the river, he really grew up.
Gimseng explained how rescue crews first tried to take over with inflatable boats to transport people, but found that it was unjustifiable to transport people back again. Then there was a flow and the flow of water was so high in the river that some trees and logs flowed in the river.
Gimseng later said that the rescue crew was coming soon and doing an awesome job.
– They deserve all the credit they can get. I can hardly find the words. That they exposed themselves to so much danger, it was indescribable.
Since crossing the river was impossible, the rescue crew decided to call a rescue helicopter and hoist the traveling party off the island.
– I was hoping for a while they could land a helicopter on the island so we could get in, but that didn’t work, said Gimseng.
He describes being raised as an interesting case, especially when you have a partial fear of heights.
On time
The rescue helicopter arrived at the hour of counting. When the system was lifted into the helicopter, the water reached his ankles. At that time, the entire island was flooded.
– The efforts made by fire and rescue are absolutely priceless, said Gimseng.
Apart from the 11 people, there was a dog at the party. It must also be lifted by helicopter.
– It’s a bit hard on the road, but calms down after a while. I probably don’t think it would be very happy to see rescue helicopters again but.
– Starting to get us
There were 11 people in the party, 6 of whom were fishermen.
One of the 11 is a ten-year-old girl whom Gimseng describes as a brave girl who, despite her fear, remained calm during the rescue operation.
Gimseng said he was fine after that.
– We’ve all met each other today, and it looks like we’re starting to recover from what has happened.
Material damage
The cars they moved across the river were also exposed to a lot of water.
– We didn’t take them with us. Material things come second.
Four cars were partially or completely submerged in water and submerged in water for a long time. When VG contacted Gimseng on the Sunday after the incident, they were still in the process of getting the car out of the water. It is uncertain whether it will be possible to save the car.
Late Saturday, police stated that four cars were standing underwater near the island.
Skinstad said that on Sunday he returned to the area to investigate four cars, along with police.
– All cars are full of water and must be inspected in a repair shop before they can be started.
– Will you continue this annual tradition?
– Yes, we probably would, but we would probably have considered the conditions more, Tor ge Skinstad concluded.
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