The family of 25-year-old Eli Sweeting have flown to New Zealand to help police with the search efforts. Roughly 60 search and rescue volunteers, 10 police staff and numerous helicopter and tourism staff are working to find Eli
The family of a missing British hiker have flown to New Zealand to help police search for 25-year-old Eli Sweeting after he didn’t return from a solo mountain expedition.
On Sunday, May 4 Eli failed to return from a trip up the mile-high Mitre Peak near Milford Sound. Around 60 search and rescue volunteers as well as 10 police officers supported by helicopters have been scouring the area in a desperate bid to find him.
The search has been temporarily suspended today due to weather conditions in the region and is planned to resume tomorrow Local police “remain hopeful that there will be a positive outcome”.
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Family friend Samantha Eastwell, 31, told MailOnline: “We are all just trying to stay positive, they keep seeing a light so they don’t know whether he is alive but when they keep having to call off the search because of the weather. He’s a very outdoorsy guy and has been in New Zealand for a while. He was dressed for the conditions but [his sister] Serena told me Eli had only packed for one night. The whole family is very, very worried for him and are flying out there now.”
The family has launched a Gofundme appeal to raise money for the search and rescue effort. A message from Eli’s sister Serena Sweeting read: “Eli Sweeting has been missing since sunday 4th May after failing to return home from a hike up Mitre Peak in New Zealand. There has currently been an incredible effort made by the New Zealand Police, Search and rescue, alpine search and rescue, the real New Zealand and from Milford Sound locals.
“There has been a light spotted at a point along the route down the mountain and all efforts have been focused there. Searches have had to be halted over Wednesday and Thursday due to weather warnings. The challenges are that the Bush is so dense that it is hard for infrared to pick up any signs. Searches are due to contine from Friday 9th.
“We need more people on the ground but this has to be experienced climbers who can safely belay themselves in and out of the area. We are looking for financial support to go towards the search and rescue teams to get the people and equipment out there safely as well as seeking people who have drones who could support the teams as sometimes this type of equipment is limited.
“We would also like to raise money for New Zealand search and rescue and Alpine zearch and rescue and the Real New Zealand to say thank you and to aid them in the incredible life saving work they do. My brother is an experienced climber and has hiked in this terrain many times. I also spend time in the mountains and know how incredible it can be up there, but how quickly things can change. It could happen to any of us.
“Being in the mountains and adventure is what my brother lives for and he spends lots of time preparing for these adventures and training. My brother is one of the kindest, most compassionate people in my life and he has always been there for me. He inspires me to live and get out of my comfort zone, as well as listens and genuinely wants to know you and your story. Anyone who has met him will know what I mean. He has such a positive, vibrant and supportive energy.
“All Elis family are currently in Milford Sound trying to aid in the search. We are based in England. We just want him home safe. It doesn’t need to be a big donation, every little helps, even sharing this page. If you can help it would mean the world to us all. Thank you for reading. Any help and support the family can get will be greatly appreciated in this difficult time I just pray they find Eli.”
Police said a large number of people had been working through arduous terrain, supported by helicopter crews. Detective Tracy Ward added: “There is also a huge amount of local support being provided by tourism operator Real NZ at Milford Sound. Roughly 60 search and rescue volunteers, 10 police staff and numerous helicopter and tourism staff are working hard to find the missing man. The search area is relatively contained but incredibly rugged and difficult to navigate once off the track. At times, the search teams are only able to progress 250 metres in an hour.
“While no items of interest have been positively linked to the missing man, a number of clues are being followed up on, and we remain hopeful that there will be a positive outcome. The man we are looking for is experienced in the outdoors, and we believe he has suitable clothing and provisions, which can make all the difference.”
• The Mirror is using its platform to launch Missed – a campaign to shine a light on underrepresented public-facing missing persons in the UK in collaboration with Missing People Charity. Because every missing person, no matter their background or circumstances, is someone’s loved one. And they are always Missed.