Swedish Boy Lost in Tsunami is Found, Reunited with Father
Marko Karkkainen
is reunited with his son,
Hannes Bergstroem
December 29, 2004
by Kevin Caruso
Hannes Bergstroem, an 18-month-old toddler who was swept away by the tsunami on December 26, 2004, was reunited with his father on December 29th after he was found alone on a roadside in Thailand.
Hannes' photo was posted on the Internet to try to locate anyone who could identify him.
Hannes uncle saw the photo and immediately contacted the hospital where Hannes was at.
Hannes was then taken to the hospital where his father, Marko Karkkainen, was being treated. The reunion was deeply emotional for Marko, who lost his mother in the tsunami.
Karkkainen said he had been told of the reports his son was rescued by a Thai princess.
"I have been to Thailand seven times, and this time only confirmed what I know about Thai people -- that they are so generous and caring,” he said. She [the Thai princess] has saved his life, but also my
soul because I couldn't survive if I lost them both [his son and his mother].”
