Base jumper triggers full rescue operation in Porsgrunn – police frustrated

A significant rescue operation in Porsgrunn on Tuesday evening, initiated by reports of a person jumping from the Langangen bridge on the E18, has left police frustrated. The operation, which involved a police helicopter, boat, divers, surface rescuers, the fire department, ambulance services, and five police patrols, was launched after a report indicated a person had jumped from the bridge. The Norwegian Police are expressing their exasperation over the unnecessary deployment of substantial resources for an incident that could have been avoided.

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One of the police's main tasks is to save lives, and here significant resources were deployed. Life and health are the main priority.

Operasjonsleder Eskil Hagen Olsen of the Sørøst police district stated that one of the police's primary duties is to save lives, and in this instance, considerable resources were allocated to a situation that turned out to be a base jumper who had failed to notify authorities. The operation, which lasted for approximately an hour from its commencement until confirmation was received from a parachute club, highlights the challenges police face when responding to potential emergencies without prior notification.

"We are deploying significant resources, and the rescue operation led to the police having to deprioritize other tasks, in this case for about an hour," Olsen explained. The police are not yet aware of the base jumper's identity but emphasize that the individual should have contacted the police beforehand. "When the police receive a report, it means someone has seen it. And then one should understand that one should report it," Olsen added, underscoring the importance of communication and adherence to safety protocols.

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We are deploying significant resources, and the rescue operation led to the police having to deprioritize other tasks, in this case for about an hour.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the strain such unannounced activities can place on emergency services. While the police are committed to ensuring public safety, they urge individuals engaging in potentially risky activities like base jumping to follow established procedures and inform the relevant authorities. Failure to do so not only diverts critical resources but also poses unnecessary risks and causes frustration among those tasked with protecting the public.

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When the police receive a report, it means someone has seen it. And then one should understand that one should report it.