Authorities in northern Italy are conducting an extensive search for two British men missing whilst on a hiking trip in the Dolomites.
Aziz Ziriat, 36, and Samuel Harris, 35, both from London, were last in contact on 1 January when they sent messages home from the Trentino region. They failed to board their scheduled flight back to the UK on 6 January.
The search operation involves Alpine Rescue, Guardia di Finanza, Carabinieri, and the local fire brigade. However, recent snowfall has hampered efforts to access the area.
Friends and Family Join Search Efforts
Rebecca Dimmock, Mr Ziriat’s girlfriend, described the pair as “experienced hikers”. The men planned a New Year’s trip across the Dolomites, staying in mountain huts and enjoying the wilderness.
“They wanted to go from hut to hut, spend nights in nature, and enjoy some New Year’s celebrations. They had all the gear and experience,” Ms Dimmock told the BBC.
She last heard from Mr Ziriat on New Year’s Day, when he sent photos of the mountains and mentioned his phone was about to die. “He said they were drinking red wine in a hut but it was freezing. Later, my messages weren’t going through, so his phone had probably died, or he was out of range,” she added.
Saf Suleyman, a friend of the two men, is flying to Italy with Ms Dimmock to assist in coordinating the search. “We’ll stay in the town and work with local authorities. It’s important to check all the huts along their planned route. They could be snowed in, waiting for help,” said Ms Dimmock.
Unusual Disappearance
Authorities noted it is uncommon for hikers to go missing during this time of year. Appeals for information have been shared on social media, including by Crystal Palace Football Club, where Mr Ziriat works.
Mustafa Suleyman, CEO of Microsoft’s AI division and a friend of the men, posted on LinkedIn. “I urgently need your help! Two of my friends have gone missing whilst hiking in the Dolomites near Casina Dosson Tione Di Trento, near Riva del Garda.”
A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed support for the families of the missing hikers and coordination with local authorities in Italy.
Search efforts are ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact local authorities immediately.
Last summer, a British base jumper died in the Dolomites
