Norwegian hiker’s backpack was in water ‘for a while’ before it was found, family says

Steffen Skjottelvik is shown in an undated photo. (Steffen Skjottelvik/Facebook)

The family of a Norwegian hiker who has been missing for a week in northern Manitoba say they are clinging to finding him despite little hope.

Steffen Skjottelvik, 29, was reported missing Aug. 15 after failing to arrive in York Factory, Man. as planned.

A search by community members, police, and conservation officers has scoured his route from Fort Severn First Nation, Ont. into northern Manitoba by air, foot and boat.

Thursday, police confirmed a backpack and rifle believed to have been Skjottelvik’s was found near the last coordinates of his GPS device on the east shore of the Hayes River—a two-kilometre wide, turbulent body of water.

Police told the family the backpack had been in the water for a while, family spokesperson Christian Dyresen said.

“The family realizes that there is little hope, but clings to finding Steffen,” he said in a message to CTV News.

Meanwhile, Manitoba RCMP said Friday they did not have a further update to share on the search.

According to Mounties, Skjottelvik left Fort Severn, Ont. on July 25 on foot with two dogs.

He last spoke with his family on Aug. 13, Dyresen said, when he left a camp about 40 kilometres northeast of York Factory.

Skjottelvik made contact during his trip on Aug. 13 when he arrived at Nanuk camp, which is about 40 kilometres northeast of York Factory.

According to police, he next made contact with York Factory on Aug. 14, saying he expected to arrive there the next day, but did not show up.

- With files from The Canadian Press