Urgent Search Continues for Experienced Norwegian Trekker Steffen Skjottelvik in Manitoba's Remote Wilderness

A large-scale and increasingly urgent search is underway in the rugged and vast wilderness of northern Manitoba for Steffen Skjottelvik, a 35-year-old experienced Norwegian trekker who has been missing since June 14, 2024. The remote and challenging terrain poses significant hurdles for rescue teams, while Skjottelvik’s family has traveled from Norway, gripped by anxiety and hope.

Skjottelvik, an avid outdoor enthusiast, was last seen when he was dropped off by a float plane at the north end of Sasaginnigak Lake. His ambitious plan was to undertake a lengthy, self-supported journey, paddling and portaging his way back to a starting point potentially near Lake Winnipeg. Equipped with a kayak, tent, and enough provisions for an extended period, he was considered well-prepared for such an expedition. However, when he did not make contact as expected, concerns quickly escalated, leading to him being reported missing.

The search operation, spearheaded by the Manitoba RCMP, has grown into a multi-agency effort. The Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA) has deployed its vital aerial resources, meticulously scanning the dense forests and countless waterways from above. Parks Canada is also actively involved, given the proximity of the search area to Atikaki Provincial Park in Manitoba and Woodland Caribou Provincial Park in Ontario, which form part of a contiguous wilderness landscape.

The conditions on the ground and in the air are exceptionally demanding. The search zone spans an enormous, untouched region characterized by thick bush, innumerable lakes, swift rivers, and rocky outcrops, making ground access incredibly difficult and air surveillance a continuous challenge. Every piece of information and every lead is crucial, yet the sheer scale of the wilderness presents a formidable adversary to the searchers.

Adding to the profound emotional weight of the situation, Skjottelvik’s parents and brother have made the arduous journey from Norway to Manitoba. Their presence underscores the deep personal toll of this disappearance, as they anxiously await any news, clinging to hope for their son’s and brother’s safe return. The Norwegian Embassy in Ottawa is also actively engaged, providing support and liaising with Canadian authorities.

As days turn into weeks, the intensity of the search remains undiminished. While no definitive trace of Steffen Skjottelvik himself has been found, the dedicated efforts of all involved agencies, coupled with the unwavering hope of his family, continue in the hope of bringing him home safely from the unforgiving embrace of the northern Manitoba wilderness.