During a research flight near the North Pole, scientists from Switzerland and Sweden discovered the northernmost island in the world, the Danish media reported over the weekend.
The island, which is 30 by 60 meters, consists mainly of mud and gravel, and is located 800 meters north of the island closest to the North Pole.
The island is located in the territorial territory of Greenland, an autonomous region under the control of Denmark.
Prof Mortan Russ, of the Geological Survey of the University of Copenhagen, headed the delegation that uncovered the interesting discovery and told the British news network BBC about the moments of confusion that led to the findings.
"We flew by helicopter to the point where Odaak Island, formerly known as the northernmost island in the world, was located, but we could not find it. The maps in this part of the world are not very accurate and satellite navigation can be misleading," Russ explained.
"After some very confusing and exciting minutes, we found another island, 800 meters from where the island of Odaak was registered by the Danish authorities."
After the island was exposed, the crew landed on its land.
"The island is composed mainly of mud, gravel and rock deposits," said Prof. Ras.
"It was only after the expedition's flight, following many discussions and consultation with world - renowned experts, that we realized we had discovered the northernmost island in the world, completely by mistake. From a purely scientific point of view, the discovery is of great importance, but personally and humanly."