Stricter rules for glacier tours after a fatal accident in Iceland
Stricter rules for glacier tours after a fatal accident in Iceland
After the tragic accident at the Breiðamurjökull, in which an American tourist was killed by a falling ice wall, a newly used working group demands drastic changes in training and security standards for mountain guides. The incident, who also seriously injured the victim's pregnant wife, re -sparked the discussion about the safety of glacier tours in summer. Many companies offer such tours without the tour guides having the necessary training, which according to Vísir reports is unacceptable.
urgent need for action
The working group, which was launched by four ministries, has now made clear recommendations. It calls for mandatory glacier management training for mountain guides and the introduction of special security programs for companies that offer glacier tours. These measures are intended to ensure that the tours can also be carried out safely in the dangerous summer months. In addition, a comprehensive risk analysis of the glaciers must be carried out in order to better assess the dangers. The working group has also emphasized that routine accident statistics are necessary to learn from past incidents and prevent future accidents.
The Kötlujökull is particularly dangerous, where glacier runs can occur without warning. Last summer there was almost a big accident when tourists were traveling in endangered areas despite warnings. The ice caves, which form in meltwater channels, represent a fatal trap when glacier floods occur. The working group has made it clear that the security of tourists is a top priority and that the industry, which sold around 400,000 glacier tours last year, urgently has to work on the security standards.| Details | |
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| Ort | Breiðamerkurjökull, Island |
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