Vehicle plunges into Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
In an unexpected turn of events at Jökulsárlón, a tourist found herself in a harrowing situation. BusTravel Iceland guide, Tómas Ragnarsson, describes the incident: "I was searching for a missing person when I heard a commotion behind me. There she was, half out of the car, which had inexplicably plunged into the lagoon."
The woman had managed to escape the vehicle just in time, but the car continued to roll, catching a pole on its way. In the heat of the moment, Tómas tossed his new phone aside and sprinted to her aid. "I waded into the lagoon, intending to save both the woman and the vehicle," he recalls.
However, the vehicle's gears and handbrake had been engaged, causing it to roll downhill like a tractor. Attempts to pull it back out were futile, as the tires had no traction in the sand. With a group of tourists waiting for him, Tómas had to abandon the rescue mission. "Thankfully, a crowd of onlookers had rushed to help, and I assume some first responders were called to retrieve the car," he concludes.
In these situations, recovering a vehicle from a lagoon requires careful planning and equipment. Here are some key considerations for a safe recovery:
- Hazard assessment: Identify risks in the environment, such as unstable sediments, depth, and obstructions. Use 4-gas detectors if organic materials are present to monitor for hazardous gases.
- Communication: Post emergency contacts and use bilingual signage if needed.
- Secure the area: Use perimeter fencing and mark the vehicle location with buoys or flags.
- Anchor stabilization: Deploy secondary anchors and use floating lines or winches rated for submerged loads.
- Equipment setup: Attach winches to a fixed anchor point, use floatation devices, and place mats beneath lifting gear to prevent sinking.
- Retrieval mechanics: Ensure retrieval lines remain vertical to avoid destabilizing the sand, and extract the vehicle slowly to prevent sudden shifts.
- Post-recovery actions: Capture leaking fluids and inspect the vehicle for damage before towing.
In high-risk environments, consider consulting professional recovery teams equipped with specialized lifting equipment. Always prioritize safety when dealing with motor vehicles.
The car-accident at Jökulsárlón's lagoon had been a harrowing experience, with the vehicle ending up in the water, partially submerged. The BusTravel Iceland guide, Tómas Ragnarsson, had abandoned the rescue mission due to the circumstances, as the vehicle's gears and handbrake had kept it rolling downhill like a tractor. In the general-news that followed, it was noted that these types of accidents required careful planning and equipment for a safe recovery. Some key considerations included assessing hazards, securing the area, using proper equipment setup, and adhering to retrieval mechanics to prevent mishaps. In high-risk environments, it was essential to consider consulting professional recovery teams for a successful and safe outcome.
