Avalanche
The search for two British mountaineers missing in the Adamello group of the Italian Dolomites since New Year’s Day has yielded a heartbreaking discovery. Rescuers located the lifeless body of Samuel Harris, 35, on Wednesday morning, January 8, near the Conca Pass, at an altitude of 2,600 meters (8,530 feet). Efforts to locate his hiking partner, 36-year-old Aziz Ziriat, are ongoing, with specialized canine units and additional rescuers resuming work today, January 10. The pair was last heard from on January 1 and family and friends alerted authorities when the pair failed to board their flight back to London on January 6.
A large scale search was initiated on January 6 but inclement weather hampered efforts. The search resumed early Wednesday, January 8, after adverse weather conditions had previously hampered efforts. Improved visibility and the use of advanced technology, including the Recco system—capable of detecting reflective surfaces and electronic devices—allowed rescuers to focus on a priority area identified through a trace from Harris’s mobile phone. Ground teams found his body buried beneath the snow during one of their surveys. Avalanche search dog Thor found Ziriat’s glasses near Harris’ body, Walter Cainelli, President of the Soccorso Alpino e Speleologico Trentino (CNSAS), said in an interview with local newspaper Corriere del Trentino. Therefore, current search efforts are focussing on the area where the first discovery took place, at the base of the south wall of the Carè Alto, at an altitude of about 2,400 meters (8,202 feet) and along the wall itself, through descents from above.
Search operations are being coordinated from a base in Spiazzo, involving over 30 rescuers from CNSAS Alpine Rescue, the Guardia di Finanza, and the Fire Brigade. Four canine units are also combing the area under challenging conditions, with temperatures below freezing and strong winds at altitude. Helicopters have been instrumental in ferrying rescuers and conducting aerial reconnaissance.
Samuel Harris and Aziz Ziriat, both from London, were last heard from at 2:20 p.m. on New Year’s Day. The pair had embarked on a hiking expedition in the rugged Adamello group, which forms part of the iconic Dolomites. Equipment belonging to the climbers was earlier discovered at the Malga Dosson bivouac, confirming they had passed through the area before their disappearance.
The Dolomites are known for their challenging terrain and volatile weather conditions, which have complicated search and rescue efforts. Heavy snowfalls and strong winds had hampered search and rescue efforts. Psychologists from Psychologists for Peoples have been activated to support the families of the missing climbers, who have traveled from the United Kingdom to Trentino. The community remains hopeful for a resolution as rescuers intensify their efforts to locate Mr. Ziriat.
Dedicated rescue teams hope to bring closure to both grieving families.
