Israeli Tourist Dies in Norway Kayaking Accident

A 24-year-old Israeli man has died following a kayaking accident on Lake Vangsvatnet near Voss, western Norway, on September 30. The man, a resident of Jerusalem, was rescued after more than two hours in the water and hospitalized, but later passed away. His companion, also an Israeli tourist, survived and is receiving treatment at a local hospital. The identity of the deceased has not yet been released.

The incident began when a witness spotted a person in the water holding onto a kayak. Rescuers pulled the conscious man onto a boat, and he informed them that his friend was also on the lake. A search operation was launched involving a helicopter, air ambulance, rescue teams, volunteers, dog handlers, and a drone. Strong winds and waves hampered the efforts.

The missing tourist was found over two hours later and underwent resuscitation before being transported to Haukeland University Hospital in Bergen. According to reports, both Israelis were in the same kayak and wearing life vests.

The Israeli Embassy in Oslo and the Foreign Ministry's Bureau for Assistance to Israelis Abroad are coordinating with the victim's family and Norwegian authorities. ZAKA, an Israeli volunteer rescue and recovery organization, is involved in arranging the repatriation of the body. ZAKA's deputy operational commander, Haim Weingarten, described the incident as tragic and stated that the organization is working with the Foreign Ministry and local Norwegian agencies to facilitate the transfer of the body to Israel.