Icelandic Police (Lögreglan) and specialist rescue teams conducted a search operation today in Grindavík for the remains of Lúðvík Pétursson, who has been missing since he fell into a ground collapse in the town in January 2024. They found no trace of him and the formal police search has been concluded. Fréttatíminn first reported on the operation, which was led by the police commissioner in Suðurnes, southwest Iceland.
Grindavík is a fishing town in the Southern Peninsula district of Iceland with a harbour on the coast and a population of about 3,700. The town was evacuated in November 2023 after increased volcanic activity threatened the area, and most locals work in the fishing industry.
According to a statement from the Icelandic Police, the search involved both domestic and foreign specialists. Participants included experts from the national police special unit, the Capital Region Fire Department, Sigmönnum and the rubble-rescue team of Hjálparsveitar skáta in Kópavogur. The operation was conducted under a scene command managed by the Suðurnes police commissioner following a detailed risk assessment.
During the seven and a half hour search, two team members abseiled into the fissure where Lúðvík Pétursson disappeared. They used lights and rubble-rescue cameras to inspect the site, but found no indications that would clarify the location of his remains, police said.
With today’s operation, the police commissioner in Suðurnes has completed all actions considered possible based on the current risk assessment. Police determined that other search options previously considered are too dangerous, and stressed that no further search operations will be undertaken. The formal police search is now concluded, and authorities stated that no additional information about the case will be provided.
Background
Grindavík, located near Þorbjörn, is known for its working harbour and fishing industry. The Blue Lagoon, one of Iceland’s best-known geothermal attractions, is situated just 5 kilometres from the town.
Sources
- Lögreglan (Icelandic Police) in Icelandic
- Fréttatíminn (first reported) in Icelandic
