Body found in search for two British hikers missing in Dolomites
The families of both men have been informed as the search for the second mountaineer continues, ITV News Correspondent John Ray reports
A body has been found in the search for two British hikers who have been missing in the Dolomites for almost a week, Italy’s alpine rescue service confirmed.
Aziz Ziriat, 36, and Sam Harris, 35, have not been seen or heard from since January 1 and they did not check in for their flight home on January 6.
Their last known location was near a mountain hut called Casina Dosson, close to the town of Tione Di Trento, near Riva Del Garda, on Lake Garda.
A spokesperson for Italy’s CNSAS (The National Alpine Cliff and Cave Rescue Corps) said ground teams found a body in the area of Passo di Conca “sadly deceased, buried under the snow”.
They confirmed a search for the second mountaineer would continue and that the families of both men had been informed.
Speaking earlier this week, Joe Stone, a university friend of Mr Ziriat, said the pair were “experienced hikers” who liked to go off the grid, but “alarm bells were raised” when they failed to check in for their return flight.
He said: “They are experienced hikers and they go a couple of times a year. It wasn’t surprising that they had no signal as they like going off the grid. Alarm bells were raised though when they didn’t turn up for their flight on January 6.
“Helicopters are now searching two specific locations – two refuge huts. We think that’s going to be the best chance of success.
“We’re all waiting anxiously and the next few hours are crucial.”
Crystal Palace Football Club’s official charity issued an appeal on its website on Tuesday.
It said: “We are urging supporters to share any information they might have to help locate Palace for Life staff member Aziz Ziriat, and his friend Sam Harris, who have been missing since 1st January whilst hiking in the Dolomites mountains in north-eastern Italy.
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