Search and rescue operation launched for two British hikers missing in Italian mountains for six days
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GB News
A major search operation is underway in Italy's Dolomites for two British men who have gone missing while hiking.
Aziz Ziriat, 36, and Samuel Harris, 35, both from London, have not been heard from since January 1, when they last sent messages home from the Trentino region.
Multiple rescue teams are now trying to locate the pair, who failed to board their flight back to the UK on January 6.
The two men were last known to be near Casina Dosson in Tione Di Trento, close to Riva Del Garda on Lake Garda.
Aziz Ziriat (right) and Samuel Harris (left), both from London, have not been heard from since January 1, when they last sent messages home from the Trentino region
Handout
Their disappearance has sparked widespread concern, with rescue efforts focused on the mountainous area where they were believed to be hiking.
The last communication from the pair was received at 14.20 on January 1, according to appeals from their friends and colleagues.
Alpine Rescue, Guardia di Finanza Rescue, Carabinieri and the local fire brigade have joined forces in the search operation.
However, rescue teams are facing significant challenges due to recent heavy snowfall in the area, making it difficult to access key search locations.
Crystal Palace Football Club has issued an urgent appeal for their staff member Aziz Ziriat and his friend Sam Harris.
The club posted: "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."
Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman has made an urgent appeal on LinkedIn for help finding his friends.
"I urgently need your help! Two of my friends have gone missing whilst hiking in the Dolomites," he wrote.
The hikers' last known location is believed to be near a hut called Casina Dosson as they possibly followed this route
Palace for Life
"We know they were near Casina Dosson Tione Di Trento, near Rival Del Garda, on Lake Garda," his post continued, as he called for anyone with mountain rescue experience to contact him.
Friends of the two men are flying out from London to northern Italy this evening to assist with the search efforts.
Local authorities have noted that it is highly unusual for hikers to go missing in the Dolomites during this time of year.
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