British men Aziz Ziriat, 36, and Samuel Harris, 35, both from London, disappeared while hiking in the Dolomite mountains in northern Italy with a huge search operation now underway
A desperate search is ongoing for two British men who failed to board their flight home.
Aziz Ziriat, 36, and Samuel Harris, 35, were hiking through the Dolomites in northern Italy and were last heard from at 2.20pm on January 1, when they sent messages to their loved ones in England. They were due to return home on January 6, but a search and rescue operation was launched as the two friends, both from London, didn’t board their return flight.
Their last known location is believed to be near a hut called Casina Dosson is near the town Tione Di Trento, near Rival Del Garda, on Lake Garda. Authorities in Italy said it is unusual for hikers to go missing at this time of year.
According to reports, Alpine Rescue, Guardia di Finanza Rescue, Carabinieri and the local fire brigade are involved in the search. But Il Dolomiti, an Italian newspaper covering news from the Trentino region, reported that rescue teams are having problems reaching the area due to the weather conditions and the recent snowfall.
Crystal Palace Football Club, where Mr Ziriat works, posted an appeal for information on social media, writing: “Crystal Palace urges supporters to share any information they might have to help locate Palace for Life Foundation staff member Aziz Ziriat, and his friend Sam Harris, who have been missing since 1st January whilst hiking in the Dolomites mountains in northeastern Italy.
“The two were last heard from at 14:20 on Wednesday, 1st January, and they were believed to be near a hut called Casina Dosson – near the town Tione Di Trento, near Riva Del Garda, on Lake Garda. We are appealing for anyone familiar with the area, who can provide assistance or information, to get in touch. If you know the area and can help, please dial 999 and reference CAD 0197/07 Jan25.”
The football club also shared descriptions of the two men and an image of the route the were possibly following when they disappeared. Mr Ziriat, who is described as being 6’3, went to the University of Brighton, while Mr Harris who is 5’11, was a student at Oxford Brookes.
