British Hiker’s Body Found in Northern Italy After Months-Long Search
The body of British hiker Aziz Ziriat, who had been missing in northern Italy since January, has been found by local rescuers. Ziriat, 36, was hiking in the Dolomites with his friend Sam Harris, 35, when they were reported missing.
According to Sky News, Ziriat’s body was discovered on Saturday, buried in snow beneath the Carè Alto mountain by rescuers from the Trentino Alpine and Speleological Rescue team. The team had been airlifted to the area in the morning and began searching near where Harris’ body had been found earlier.
Harris’ body was found buried under snow around a kilometre away, at the base of the southern face of the Carè Alto mountain, soon after they were reported missing. Ziriat’s body was found "in a rocky crevice, hidden beneath layers of snow", at the foot of the southern face of Carè Alto, the rescue team said in a statement. His remains were found "at the base of the cliffs, almost 1,000 metres away from Harris’ initial location and 400 metres lower in altitude".
The rescue team, which included firefighters, the Italian Financial Police’s Alpine Rescue team, and the volunteer group, Nu.Vol. A, had been searching for the pair since they missed their return flight on 6 January. The Londoners’ last known location was at a mountain hut called Casina Dosson, in the San Valentino Valley, close to the town of Tione di Trento, near Riva del Garda on Lake Garda on 1 January.
As reported by Sky News, Ziriat’s family had praised the work of search teams in January, saying "their commitment to finding Aziz has been outstanding". A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson said: "We are supporting the family of a British national who died in Northern Italy and are in contact with the local authorities."
The body was airlifted to the nearby Spiazzo Rendena sports field, "where a funeral transport was waiting". The rescue team said his family "was immediately informed of the discovery".
The news of Ziriat’s death brings closure to his family and friends, who had been anxiously waiting for news of his fate. The search for Ziriat and Harris had been extensive, involving multiple teams and resources. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks involved in hiking and the importance of being prepared and aware of one’s surroundings.
As Sky News previously reported, the pair had been hiking in the Carè Alto mountain area within the Adamello group over the New Year. The area is known for its challenging terrain and unpredictable weather conditions, making it a high-risk environment for hikers.
The rescue team’s efforts were instrumental in locating Ziriat’s body, and their dedication and expertise are to be commended. As the news of Ziriat’s death spreads, it serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting the natural environment and being prepared for the challenges that come with hiking in remote areas.
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