A British schoolboy has been killed and four other people injured after a viscous polar bear attack in Norway.
Horatio Chapple, 17, from Salisbury, England, died after being mauled by the bear on the country’s Spitsbergen Island in the Svalbard archipelago on Friday. He was taking part in an Arctic expedition organised by the British Schools Exploring Society (BSES), when the 250kg animal attacked the camp.
The group’s 29 year-old leader, Michael ‘Spike’ Reid, eventually shot the bear dead but also suffered severe injuries. He and fellow organiser Andrew Ruck, 27, have returned to the UK after their conditions were deemed to be stable by Norwegian hospital staff. A further two teenagers have also been given the all-clear to return home but remain in hospital.
The attack took place on Friday morning when the three teenage boys were still inside their tent. The two organisers were then savagely attacked by the bear when attempting to rescue them. Mr Reid sustained injuries to his face and neck, while Mr Ruck also had head injuries. They were unfortunately unable to shoot the bear in time to save Mr Chapple’s life.
In a statement, the BSES said, “We regret to confirm that [the leaders] injuries remain severe, although they are both stable. Everyone involved in BSES remains focused on providing as much support as possible to those affected by the tragic incident on 5 August in Svalbard.”
In total, 80 people were on the trip which was due to run until 28th August. All are now expected to abandon the scientific mission.