Tragic Search Continues for Missing London Hikers in the Dolomites
Samuel Harris, 35, and Aziz Ziriat, 36, both from London, have been missing in the stunning Dolomites since they were last heard from on New Year's Day during a hiking trip in the Trentino region of Italy. Their disappearance raised significant alarm when they failed to board their flight home on January 6th, leading family and friends to worry about their safety.
The search took a grim turn when authorities discovered an unidentified body buried under a layer of snow at an altitude of approximately 2,600 meters in the Conca Pass area within the Adamello Nature Park. The National Alpine Cliff and Cave Rescue Corps (CNSAS) confirmed that ground teams located the body along with two rucksacks and other equipment at a nearby camping site on Wednesday.
The circumstances surrounding the accident are still being investigated, according to the rescue service's official statement. Although a body has been found, the search continues for the second hiker, Aziz Ziriat, as friends and family cling to hope for a positive outcome.
Rebecca Dimmock, Aziz Ziriat's girlfriend, described both men as experienced hikers who were well-prepared for their adventure. In an interview with the BBC, she explained that their intent was to undertake a New Year’s hike from hut to hut throughout the Dolomites, aiming to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature while camping outdoors. "They wanted to go off-grid, which isn’t unexpected given their experience. They packed all the necessary gear and have gone on numerous hikes before," she noted.
Tuesday saw the appeal from Crystal Palace’s official charity, Palace for Life, where Ziriat was employed, urging anyone familiar with the area to come forward and assist in the search efforts. The charity emphasized the importance of community help in such dire situations, quoting the reference CAD 019707 Jan25 for tips.
Joe Stone, a university friend of Ziriat, also spoke about the pair’s hiking experience. He reiterated their preference for off-the-grid adventures, emphasizing that alarm bells were raised only after they failed to check in for their return flight, prompting immediate concern among their loved ones.
As the search continues, the community remains hopeful for answers in these challenging circumstances, and the tragedy of the situation underscores the unpredictable nature of outdoor adventures.
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