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Journalism of Courage
Hiking can be inherently dangerous, especially without proper preparation or awareness of the terrain and weather conditions. In recent years, several casualties have been reported worldwide, often triggered by sudden weather changes or poor physical endurance. Hiking remains one of the most unpredictable outdoor activities.
Akash Banerjee, a popular Indian content creator and satirist, recounted a recent harrowing hiking experience with his wife in Norway, shedding light on the swift rescue operation that followed. During the final leg of their road trip through Norway, Banerjee and his wife, Nidhi, were hiking to Preikestolen, popularly known as Pulpit Rock, near the city of Stavanger.
The site, perched high above the stunning Lysefjord, attracts thousands of hikers each year, but its rugged terrain can become challenging after rainfall. In the now-viral post, Banerjee shared that they hiked through the viewpoint successfully, enjoying the picturesque view.
However, on their descent, the journey took a dangerous turn when Nidhi slipped on the wet trail, spraining or possibly fracturing her ankle. Stranded in biting cold, with rain fast approaching and nearly four kilometers from the nearest road, the couple found themselves in a desperate situation. Encouraged by fellow hikers, he called Norway’s emergency number, 113.
“About 4 kilometres from civilisation, biting cold winds, rain fast approaching and unable to move – I was at my wits end on what to do next. However fellow hikers asked me to call 113 – assuring me that help will reach us,” Banerjee shared on Instagram.
What followed, he described, restored his faith in humanity. “Within minutes, the responders had used my phone to pin my location and assured me help was on the way,” he said. “In less than an hour, an army of mountain rescuers — accompanied by doctors — were with us.”
The rescue team, part of Norwegian People’s Aid (Norsk Folkehjelp), acted swiftly. They began with stabilising Nidhi’s injury using a vacuum splint and carefully carried her down to base camp on a portable stretcher. “They examined Nidhi – put her leg in a vacuum bag – opened up a portable stretcher – and 6 super-humans carted Nidhi all the way to the base camp. All with a smile,” he shared.
Banerjee’s concern about the cost of such a rescue was quickly eased when they learned that the team was volunteers offering their expertise for free. “These were not paid professionals stationed at the park. They were ordinary working Norwegians who showed up when help was needed,” he wrote.
Among them were a surveyor and a petroleum industry worker, people from different walks of life. For a country known for its harsh weather and long winters, Banerjee added, it’s no wonder Norway consistently ranks as one of the happiest nations in the world.
“I don’t believe in angels and fairies,” he wrote, “but I encountered them myself in Norway. Still shaking my head in disbelief — and relief — that angels do exist.”
See the post here:
Banerjee’s post has since gone viral, with social media users hailing the Norwegian volunteers. “Beautiful country. Lovely, helpful people. So glad you got all the assistance you needed and more,” a user wrote. “Glad all is well. Yes Norway and its people are amazing. Take care,” another user commented.
