Rome: Rescue teams found belongings of missing British hiker Aziz Ziriat in the Alps.
The items were near where his partner, Samuel Harris, was discovered.
The two hikers had been missing since January 1, according to reports.
Their planned excursion in Italy’s Adamello mountain range ended in tragedy.
Rescue Efforts and Challenges in Harsh Terrain
More than 100 rescuers participated in Sunday’s operation.
They dug through snow across 5,500 square meters at 2,400 meters elevation.
The snow depth ranged from 50 centimeters to nearly two meters.
A complex search also included 500 personnel and seven dog units.
Photos and videos of the research at this link.
Temporary Suspension of Search Operations
Rescue operations will be suspended temporarily to adjust to snow conditions.
Efforts are being paused due to changes in environmental factors.
Search teams are awaiting more favorable conditions for the next stage.
Phone records helped guide rescuers to locate the missing hikers’ gear.
Discovery of Harris’ Body and Backpacks
On January 8, rescuers found Harris’ body along with hiking equipment.
The backpack and other equipment were identified during the search.
Harris and Ziriat were both experienced hikers with detailed trip plans.
Rescue services only received the alert about their disappearance on January 6.
The Hikers’ Journey
Relatives shared that the men had an established love for hiking in remote areas, often avoiding technology.
Joe Stone, a friend of Ziriat’s, remarked it wasn’t surprising the hikers had no signal during their journey.
Rescue crews said it was likely the hikers got caught in treacherous conditions in the mountain range.
Despite facing tough weather, the search crews are determined to continue locating Harris as soon as possible.