Czech polar explorer Miroslav Jakeš dies in Svalbard

Czech polar explorer Miroslav Jakeš has died after falling into a glacier crevasse in the Svalbard archipelago, authorities confirmed. The 75-year-old, who was on a solo expedition, was found by rescuers at a depth of around 20 metres after a four-day search. His death was announced by the governor’s office in Svalbard following consultation with his family. Jakeš last checked in on April 2, and a search operation began soon after he was reported missing. A highly experienced adventurer, he became the first Czech to reach the North Pole on skis in 1993 and returned there many times. He was also known for extreme solo expeditions, including a crossing of Greenland without communication.