The search for 36-year-old Aziz Ziriat, a British hiker missing in Italy’s Dolomites since New Year’s Day, is ongoing. Items belonging to Ziriat were discovered on Saturday, but rescuers have yet to locate him.
Ziriat and his friend, Sam Harris, 35, both from London, were last heard from on 1 January. The pair failed to board their scheduled flight home on 6 January, prompting concern. Harris’s body was found on Wednesday, buried in deep snow near a cliff in the Conca Pass area of Adamello Nature Park at 2,600 metres above sea level.
On Sunday, the Alpine Cliff and Cave Rescue Corps (CNSAS) continued searching for the British hiker with over 100 rescuers, including a dog unit. Their efforts focused on a snow-covered area spanning roughly 5,500 square metres. Rescue teams have been working tirelessly since the hikers’ backpacks and mobile phones were located on Wednesday. Despite their efforts, Ziriat remains missing, and the search was paused at 3 pm on Sunday due to fading light.
Spencer Jones, Harris’s lifelong friend and business partner, paid tribute to him in a heartfelt Instagram post. “To say I am devastated would be an understatement. He was an amazing friend of 23 years, ever since our school days. He was probably the most knowledgeable person I have ever known, and building the business with him has been an incredible journey.” Jones wrote. He also urged continued focus on finding Ziriat.
Ziriat, who works for Crystal Palace FC’s charity, Palace for Life, has been described as a kind and dedicated individual by those who know him. Joe Stone, a university friend, shared that authorities are doing everything possible to locate him.
