Vehicle plunges into Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
Rewritten Article:
Hear the thrilling tale from tour guide, Tómas Ragnarsson, a BusTravel Iceland guide, about the nail-biting incident that unfolded at Jökulsárlón on Breiðamerkursandur yesterday. A visiting tourist, devoid of a watch, found herself in peril, as the vehicle they were in rolled down a steep hillside into the lagoon.
"I was with the group, scouring the area for the missing tourist when I decided to drive everyone to the beach and return to look around," shares Tómas, recounting the events. "I soon spotted the woman just managing to exit the vehicle before it plummeted down the slope. I ran to her aid."
"I tossed my new phone aside and sprinted to her," he continues, "She was still tangled with the car, miraculously managing to extricate herself as it continued ahead, plowing into a postulate on the way."
The sight of Jökulsárlón yesterday was breathtaking despite the car being halfway submerged in the lagoon. Ljósmynd/Tómas Ragnarsson
"I waded into the lagoon, intent on trying to save the vehicle and drag it onto dry land," says the guide, recalling the moment. "But upon seeing the car was in gear and had its handbrake on, it became clear why it glided down the hill like a tractor. I abandoned the rescue attempt, as I was accompanied by a group of tourists waiting for my guidance."
"I observed an assemblage of individuals assisting them, so I presumed they were in good hands," concludes Tómas Ragnarsson, reflecting on the incident at Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon. This incident serves as a chilling reminder of the importance of remaining mindful when dealing with motor vehicles.
When extricating a vehicle from a sandy lagoon, precision and the right resources are indispensable. Here's some advice:
- Assessment: Evaluate the vehicle's entrapment and survey the vicinity for additional risks, such as deep water or potential hazards.
- Equipment: Equip yourself with essential tools like a winch, recovery straps, a shovel, and another vehicle for traction if possible.
- Recovery Techniques:
- Dig around the tires to remove sand and reduce weight.
- Attach a winch to a solid anchor point or use recovery straps connected to a secondary vehicle. Apply tension gradually without causing jarring movements.
- Deploy traction mats or sand ladders under the tires to boost grip.
- Safety: Ensure you have an assistant and maintain safety consciousness while conducting the recovery operation.
- Lay off: If the vehicle appears too deeply entrenched, refrain from forcing it out, as this may result in damage or injury.
- Professionals: If the situation calls for expert assistance, consider hiring a professional recovery service with experience in lagoon or water environments.
Employ these techniques wisely, and you'll bolster your chances of safely retrieving a vehicle from a sandy lagoon.
- The general news was filled with stories of car-accidents yesterday, including one at Joekulsarolon on Breidamerkursandur, where a tourist's car plummeted down a hillside into a lagoon.
- Despite the thrilling incident at Joekulsarolon, Tomas Ragnarsson, a BusTravel Iceland guide, abandoned the rescue attempt due to the car being in gear and having its handbrake on, serving as a reminder of the importance of maintaining caution when dealing with motor vehicles.
- In sports-betting circles, the accident on Breidamerkursandur might have impacted the odds for certain travel-related bets, as tourists may now be more cautious about their adventures in Iceland.
- To prevent future car accidents on sandy hillside like the one at Joekulsarolon, it's crucial to be mindful and use the right resources, such as winches, recovery straps, shovels, and sand ladders, when extricating a vehicle from a sandy lagoon.
- It's important to remember that not every vehicle rescue situation can be handled independently, and sometimes, it's best to hire professional recovery services with experience in lagoon or water environments to ensure safety and efficiency.
