The relatives of a missing British hiker in northern Italy have expressed their “deep sorrow over the unfortunate events of the past few days”.
Rescue teams have persisted in their efforts to locate Aziz Ziriat, 36, who has not been seen in the Dolomites for over a week.
The remains of his companion Sam Harris, 35, also from London, were discovered in the Passo di Conca region on Wednesday, according to rescuers.
In a statement, Mr. Ziriat’s family conveyed: “Aziz continues to be cherished and remembered in our prayers. We fervently hope that he will be located and returned home soon.”
British hikers Aziz Ziriat (left) and Sam Harris. Pic: PA
In the meantime, Joe Stone, a university associate of Mr. Ziriat, informed the PA news agency on Saturday that while the search teams were “exerting every effort” to locate him, “there is a collective understanding that it might not yield positive news”.
The last confirmed location of the duo was a mountain lodge named Casina Dosson, situated near the town of Tione Di Trento, adjacent to Riva Del Garda on Lake Garda.
Italy’s National Alpine Cliff and Cave Rescue Corps (CNSAS) announced on Saturday that the search for Mr. Ziriat commenced again at dawn.
Alpine rescue teams continuing their search. Pic: Soccorso Alpino/AP
Approximately 40 rescuers had been transported to elevated regions to excavate the snow while searching for Mr. Ziriat in the vicinity where Mr. Harris’s remains were discovered.
On Wednesday, teams following the signal of a “mobile device belonging to one of the two hikers” found a body in the Passo di Conca area “tragically deceased, covered by snow”.
Mr. Ziriat’s family commended the efforts of the rescue teams, remarking that “their dedication to locating Aziz has been remarkable”.
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Palace For Life, the organization associated with Crystal Palace where Mr. Ziriat is employed, shared on X: “We are informed of reports regarding the recovery of Sam Harris’s body.
“We are heartbroken to learn this information, and our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family. Currently, no additional information is available regarding the status of Aziz.”
A representative from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) stated on Friday: “We are assisting the family of a British individual who has perished in northern Italy and are in communication with the local authorities.”
