London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Friday, Mar 14, 2025

Search Intensifies for Missing British Mountaineer in the Dolomites

Search Intensifies for Missing British Mountaineer in the Dolomites

As grim discoveries emerge, focus shifts to locating second Briton amid challenging conditions in northern Italy’s mountainous terrain.
Italian rescue teams have resumed their search for a missing British hiker in the Dolomites after severe weather temporarily forced a halt to operations.

This comes in the wake of the recovery of a body identified as 35-year-old Sam Harris from London, found earlier this week.

Rescuers are currently focused on locating the second missing individual, Aziz Ziriat, aged 36, who remains unaccounted for more than ten days after the duo vanished.

The two experienced hikers were last seen on January 1 near Casina Dosson, a mountain hut close to Tione Di Trento, near Riva Del Garda on Lake Garda, northern Italy.

The search, coordinated by Italy’s National Alpine Cliff and Cave Rescue Corps (CNSAS), was stalled due to inclement weather but continued at daybreak, deploying canine units and over 30 alpine rescuers, including those from the Guardia di Finanza and Fire Brigade.

The search area covers challenging high-altitude terrains, compounded by recent heavy snowfall.

The confirmation of Mr. Harris’s death came following the recovery of his body beneath snow in the Passo di Conca area, identified through the assistance of a canine unit.

Rescuers had tracked one of the hikers’ mobile phones to this location, marking the first significant breakthrough since their disappearance.

An ongoing investigation aims to clarify the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident.

Aziz Ziriat, like his late companion, is an avid and seasoned outdoor enthusiast.

He has been deeply involved with Palace For Life, the charity arm of Crystal Palace FC, and was known for his adventurous spirit.

The charity has publicly expressed its condolences on the tragic passing of Sam Harris and reiterated its support to the families affected, emphasizing a collective hope for Ziriat’s recovery.

As the process continues, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is actively supporting the families involved, maintaining liaisons with both local Italian authorities and British consular services.

The harsh terrain and erratic weather conditions have complicated the search for Mr. Ziriat, fostering a sense of urgency among rescuers.

Friends, family members, and communities connected to the two mountaineers, particularly within the realms of outdoor and hiking aficionados, have remained in anxious anticipation, with Joe Stone, a university friend of Ziriat, publicly reflecting on the grave situation.

This incident underscores the risks associated with mountaineering and the unpredictable nature of alpine conditions in regions like the Dolomites—a popular yet inherently perilous destination for outdoor adventurers worldwide.

While the search for Aziz Ziriat continues, the tragedy has precipitated discussions around hiking safety and preparedness amid extreme environments.

The CNSAS, alongside local and international collaborators, remains steadfast in their commitment to uncover all possible leads, striving to bring resolution and closure to those impacted by this ordeal.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Meta Set to Introduce Community Notes Feature in March as Part of New Content Moderation Approach
Trump Family in Discussions for Investment in Binance
UK Prime Minister Suggests Significant Changes to the Governance of the National Health Service.
France Takes Strong Stance Against Potential US Tariffs on Alcoholic Drinks
Donatella Versace to Resign as Creative Director Following Almost 30 Years.
Trump's Ambassador Nominee Confirmed Canada’s Autonomy in the Face of Trade Strains
Netanyahu Rejects UN Conclusions on Gaza as 'Untrue'
Trump Speaks on the Possibility of a Ukraine Ceasefire Amid Continued Tensions
Trump Reaffirms Interest in Greenland Acquisition Amid Geopolitical Issues
French Prime Minister Bayrou Declares Position Against US Tariff Menaces
These are currently increasing in the UK.
Trump's Encounter with the Irish Prime Minister Takes an Unforeseen Twist Regarding Fashion and Economic Matters.
Isabel, a Russian native, wed Zahid Ali Khan, describing it as "love at first sight." She adores him for his character, not his $740 million fortune.
Chair Refers to Transgender Representative as 'Mr. McBride' During Congressional Meeting
The ICC's Revenge on Behalf of Drug Dealers, Against Philippine President Duterte, Who Fought Them and Saved 100 Million Filipinos from the Drugs-Death Industry—ignoring the fact that every victory comes at a cost
Canada Expresses Concerns Regarding U.S. Trade Policies Before G7 Meeting
FBI Alerts of Increasing Smishing Scams Aiming at Mobile Users
World Bank Officials Facing Examination for Travel-Related Carbon Emissions
EU and Canada Declare Countermeasures in Response to U.S. Steel and Aluminum Tariffs
Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren: An In-Depth Exploration of Their Marital Struggles and Current Co-Parenting Efforts
Ex-Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte Detained in Manila Under ICC Warrant
Mark Carney Chosen as Head of Canada's Liberal Party, Poised to Assume Role of Prime Minister
Russia Kicks Out British Diplomats in Escalated Tensions
Significant Rescue Effort in Progress Following Collision Between Tanker and Cargo Ship in the North Sea
Pope Francis Exhibits Signs of Recovery, Yet Remains Hospitalized
Report of Radioactive Coolant Leak at Europe’s Largest Nuclear Reactor
Trump Administration Launches Self-Deportation App for Undocumented Immigrants
Syria Wraps Up Military Campaign Amid Extensive Violence and Large-Scale Executions
Trump Remarks on the Arrest of a Pro-Palestinian Student at Columbia University
Former Labour MP Mike Amesbury to Resign Following Assault Conviction
Chancellor Rachel Reeves Prepares for Spring Statement Amid Economic Challenges
Home Secretary Denies Public Inquiry into Sir David Amess's Murder
UK Energy Bills to Increase by 80 Pence to Support Discounts for Households Near Pylons
Russian Teacher Under Investigation After Explicit Content Incident in Classroom
Poland Plans Comprehensive Military Training for All Adult Males Amid Enhanced Defense Initiatives
Lithuania Withdraws from Cluster Munitions Convention Amid Security Concerns
Escalating Vandalism Targets Tesla Amid Political Controversies
Former Security Adviser Cautions That UK Troop Presence in Ukraine May Last for Years
Demonstrations Break Out as Individual Ascends Big Ben Carrying Palestinian Flag
Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe Suspended Amid Allegations of Violence and Bullying
Private spacecraft Athena has successfully landed close to the Moon's south pole.
Trump Administration Unveils Gold Card Visa Program Exempting Foreign Assets from U.S. Taxation
Trump Holds White House Summit for Cryptocurrency Leaders Amid Financial Scandals
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Highlights the Importance of the US in Attaining Peace
Trump Discovers Negotiating with Russia More Manageable than with Ukraine During Ongoing Conflict
Google Eliminates Women's History Month and Various Cultural Celebrations from Calendar App
Pope Francis Offers Thanks Despite Continuing Health Issues
King Charles III Reveals Curated Playlist on Apple Music in Anticipation of Commonwealth Day.
Disney's Biggest Cruise Ship Set to Debut in Singapore
Pamela Bach-Hasselhoff, the former 'Baywatch' star, tragically took her own life at the age of 62.
×