A desperate search is underway for two British men who went missing during a hiking trip in the breathtaking Dolomites of northern Italy. Aziz Ziriat, 36, and Samuel Harris, 35, both from London, have been unaccounted for since January 1, when they last sent messages from the Trentino region before their scheduled flight home on January 6.
The two men were reportedly hiking near Casina Dosson, close to the town of Tione Di Trento and Lake Garda. They are believed to have been on their way to enjoy the mountains, as Ms. Rebecca Dimmock, Mr. Ziriat's girlfriend, noted, "They wanted to do a New Year's hike. They wanted to go from hut to hut throughout the Dolomites." Dimmock described her boyfriend and Harris as experienced hikers, stating, "They have all the gear and they've done hikes before." Despite planning to enjoy some relaxing nights by the fire and drinking red wine, they have not been seen nor heard from since.
Friends and family have raised alarms as the days pass without communication. Ziriat's last known contact occurred around 10:00 GMT on New Year’s Day, when he informed her his phone was about to die. Dimmock recounted, "He sent some photos of the mountains and a couple of himself," just before all communication ceased. This prompted worry as the two friends missed their return flight, raising concerns about their whereabouts.
Rescue efforts have been complicated by recent snowfall and challenging weather conditions. The Alpine Rescue, Guardia di Finanza Rescue, Carabinieri, and the local fire brigade have joined forces to locate the two men but admit they are facing impediments reaching the search area. The authorities stated it is unusual for hikers to go missing during this time of year, adding more urgency to the situation. A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office also mentioned they were supporting the families and maintaining contact with local authorities.
Friends of the two missing men have flown from London to assist with the search efforts. They are coordinating with local officials to develop search strategies based on their planned hiking route. Mustafa Suleyman, chief executive of Microsoft's AI division and a friend to both men, made an emotional appeal on LinkedIn, asking for help: "I urgently need your help! Two of my friends have gone missing whilst hiking in the Dolomites. We know they were near Casina Dosson Tione Di Trento, near Riva Del Garda, on Lake Garda." His sincere call for assistance echoes the sentiments of many concerned relatives and friends.
Crystal Palace Football Club, where Ziriat works within their charitable arm, Palace for Life, has also taken to social media to share information about the two missing men. The club urged anyone familiar with the area or who might have information to reach out. They even shared descriptions and images of Ziriat and Harris, alongside their last known outfit, as part of their campaign to raise awareness.
Harris, who stands at 5'11, attended Oxford Brookes University, whereas Ziriat, at 6'3, studied at the University of Brighton. Both attended Teddington School together, fostering their longstanding friendship and love for the outdoors. According to their close friend, Joseph Sheppard, who could not join them due to injury, “They are the two loveliest people you’d ever meet. They are warm people and everyone gravitates toward them.” Sheppard expressed his increasing fears as time delays continued without any communication from the hikers.
Dimmock emphasized her belief they made it to the Casina Dosson hut since Mr. Ziriat had indicated they were drinking red wine and enjoying their trip. With searching efforts still very active, her hope remains alive, echoing the sentiments of all those impacted by the sudden disappearance.
Search teams continue to appeal for any information from the public and hikers with local area knowledge who could assist. Eyewitness accounts and tips are now more important than ever as the operation presses on with the hope of reuniting the missing hikers with their loved ones.