Choking in 10 Minutes... The Secret Behind the Norwegian 'Nunsatae' Survivor Who Endured 7 Hours

Tourist Buried in Avalanche During Ski Trip to Lingen, Norway
Survived Thanks to Air Pocket
Rescued After 7 Hours... Most Suffocate Within 10 Minutes

A tourist who was buried in an avalanche while on a ski trip to Lingen in northern Norway was miraculously rescued after being missing for 7 hours. On the 19th (local time), AFP reported, "At around 5:33 PM on the 18th, an avalanche occurred in the Lingen Alps in northern Norway, causing three foreign tourists on a ski trip there to go missing."

A tourist who went on a ski trip to Lingen in northern Norway and was buried in an avalanche was miraculously rescued after being missing for 7 hours. Getty Images

Among them, a middle-aged man was fortunately trapped in an air pocket formed between the snow layers, and it is known that he contacted the police himself from there to request rescue. The dispatched search team found the man under 1.5 meters of snow and rescued him about 7 hours after he went missing. The man's health condition was good, and he was able to walk to the ambulance on his own.

The fact that this man survived 7 hours under the snow is considered a miracle. Dr. Audun Hetland of the Arctic University of Norway told AFP, "People buried in snow generally suffocate within 10 minutes," adding, "Some survive longer, but lasting 7 hours is extremely unusual." Rescue worker Christian Mitgard said on local broadcast, "According to all statistics and experience, survival is impossible after being buried for such a long time," and "It was very surprising that the missing person was alive." Eric Larsen, mayor of Lingen, also described his survival as a "miracle."

Snow-covered forest in Norway. Getty Images

One man in the group was swept away by the avalanche into the sea below the valley but barely made it to the shore and requested rescue from authorities. However, the remaining female member of the group is still reported missing. Authorities are continuing search operations to find her.

Experts advise that when buried in an avalanche, one should cross their hands over the chest and face to secure a space to breathe. If part of the body can be extended outside the snow, the chances of rescue increase. However, if completely buried, it is better to conserve energy and wait for rescue.