Using drones to evaluate the situation
Grindavík eldgors seinna flug með LHG Árni Sæberg
The patrol ship Þór has been working in Grindavík since the eruption north of the town began yesterday. The tasks of the Icelandic Coast Guard in the area are extensive, according to Ásgeir Erlendsson, the information officer of the Icelandic Coast Guard.
Drone used to check conditions
One of the tasks the Icelandic Coast Guard has been carrying out in the area is to monitor the situation. “A drone has been used to provide a better picture of the situation in the town and to evaluate the situation. Information has since been passed to the coordination center for civil protection,” Erlendsson tells us.
The crew of the patrol vessel also took a light boat to open the fire hydrants at the marina in town. People from the Grindarvík township were sent by helicopter to the patrol vessel because the harbour boat of Grindarvík had to be moved to Þorlákshöfn harbour.
“The Icelandic Coast Guard has flown with a crew around the area to assess the situation, cracks and the like. The flight and the situation will be examined at a radio station located near Grindavík,” Erlendsson says.
Tvær af þyrlum LHG Árni Sæberg
The Icelandic Coast Guard remains on standby
Erlendsson says that helicopters from the Icelandic Coast Guard have been flying over the area since the eruption began and have been on standby. In addition, the commanders at the Icelandic Coast Guard’s command post and the special operations unit have been available and will continue to be.
