The persistent cold is making ice conditions difficult. Parts of Lake Vänern are covered in ice, as is the entire Gulf of Bothnia, according to SMHI.
The Swedish Maritime Administration, which is responsible for the state's maritime and air rescue service, has deployed extra helicopter resources to keep a sixth rescue base open, because the ice is making operations difficult for regular sea rescue boats. Mattias Hyllert, director of maritime and air rescue, says in a press release that the service is at risk of running short on resources.
"But we want to do what we can to strengthen the ability to save lives in this extreme situation. This is the first time in decades that we have seen the ice affect our rescue capabilities in this way."
The situation on Lake Mälaren is also problematic. This weekend, three ships became icebound, according to P4 Västmanland.
