Norwegian authorities are preparing to retrieve a sealed freezer discovered earlier this year on the seabed near an aquaculture site in Sagfjorden, Norway.
The freezer, tied shut with rope, was first located in April during work conducted for salmon farming company Cermaq. Police have confirmed they plan to retrieve the freezer on Thursday this week.
The site’s proximity to the last known location of 41-year-old Stian Hole, who has been missing since June 2023, has added a layer of intrigue. While there is no direct evidence linking the freezer to Hole’s disappearance, police are treating the recovery operation as part of their ongoing investigation.
“There could be many reasons why a freezer ends up at the bottom of the sea,” said Police Attorney Torje Imøy of Nordland Police District in a statement. “Since we haven’t found a plausible explanation, we need to ensure with certainty what the freezer contains.”
The freezer was discovered at a depth of approximately 250 meters and has drawn attention for its unusual condition, including the presence of rope-like bindings.
Police have imposed strict measures around the operation, including a no-drone zone, a ban on boats, and restricted access within 200 meters of the site.
Imøy emphasized the importance of resolving the case for the benefit of public trust and the relatives of missing persons. However, he noted that there is no current evidence to suggest the freezer contains human remains.
The freezer’s discovery came amid the ongoing investigation into Hole’s disappearance. Hole was last seen in the Storjord area of Hamarøy municipality in June 2023.
Three individuals, aged between 30 and 50, previously charged and detained in connection to Hole’s disappearance, have been released but remain suspects.
Police initially described the freezer as “suspicious” but have refrained from speculation about its contents. The recovery is scheduled for Thursday, after which its contents will be examined to determine any potential relevance to the investigation.
