Two British men missing for nearly a week in Dolomites in northern Italy
7 January 2025, 15:19 | Updated: 7 January 2025, 22:34
Two British men have been missing for nearly a week in the Dolomites in northern Italy.
Aziz Ziriat, 36, and Samuel Harris, 35, from London were hiking when they were last heard from, early afternoon on 1 January.
The two men were meant to return to the UK yesterday but missed their return Lufthansa flight.
A search and rescue operation has been launched, but it has been suspended until the morning due to nightfall and unfavourable weather conditions.
Italian authorities said on the day they were last heard from, Mr Ziriat and Mr Harris were believed to have been at the Malga Dosson bivouac in Val San Valentino, at the base of the southern face of the Carè Alto mountain.
Rescuers said a helicopter took off to try to take an aerial survey but fog and poor visibility forced it to return before reaching the area where the men are believed to have gone missing.
Ground teams and drones operated by the fire service were also unable to carry out their activities due to the poor weather and risk of an avalanche.
The weather, however, is expected to improve in the morning and rescuers said a plan was in place which included a helicopter being dispatched and the deployment of drones.
Mr Ziriat's sister, Miriam, told Sky News the alpine rescue team had been in touch this evening to update the family on their efforts.
She reported them as saying there is hope the two hikers may be holding out in a refuge called Rifugio Carè Alto.
As it's a summer shelter, no one will be there in the winter, the rescuers claimed, but there are two "winter rooms" with some supplies. It is hoped that is where her brother and his friend are.
Various appeals have been launched on social media to try and find the men, including by Crystal Palace Football Club, where Mr Ziriat works.
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Joe Stone, who was calling for help to find his "dear friends", said on Instagram: "We are naturally very worried."
(c) Sky News 2025: Two British men missing for nearly a week in Dolomites in northern Italy
