The search on Ben Nevis is on hold until conditions improve. Photo: Richard Webb CC-BY-SA-2.0
Police have said the search for the hillwalker missing on Ben Nevis has been suspended.
Rescue teams looking for Kyle Knox faced horrendous conditions and a heightened avalanche risk yesterday during their hunt for the missing 23-year-old London man.
Mr Knox was reported missing on Tuesday when he failed to return to his accommodation after saying he was going to tackle the mountain.
Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team was joined yesterday by Glencoe MRT and an RAF MRT, plus search and rescue dogs. A Sea King helicopter from RAF Lossiemouth carried out its final operation in the search, before handing over to the Coastguard Sikorsky S-92 from Inverness.
Teams searched the summit, Coire Eòghainn, Five Finger Gully and the lower slopes of the hill.
Missing walker Kyle Knox
A Police Scotland spokesperson said today: “The search of the Glen Nevis area for missing hillwalker Kyle Knox is to be suspended until ground conditions improve to allow a safe and full search by mountain rescue teams.
“Conditions will be continually assessed going forward and it is hoped the search for Mr Knox will resume as soon as it is safe to do so.
“Police Scotland extends appreciation to all personnel involved in yesterday’s search efforts, which took place in very challenging conditions.
“Anyone who may have sighted Mr Knox in the vicinity of Glen Nevis is urged to contact Police on 101. Police are grateful to those who have made contact with this information to date.”
Kyle Knox is described as 5ft 10ins [178cm], slim build with dark hair. Mr Knox was last seen wearing dark waterproof trousers, walking boots and a jacket with red flashes on it.
david WHALLEY
02 April 2015Sadly a wise decision due to the conditions!
Thinking of the family
TheEdgeOL17
02 April 2015Extremely upset for the family as they must be frantic but the only sensible decision given the circumstances.
Stay safe out there folks
TIG451
04 April 2015Is there any update on this? Have they found him?
CJCJ
08 April 2015Rather a hurtful comment to his family, all of whom are regular climbers on Ben Nevis, so he wasn't an "unprepared tourist". He had a lot going on his life, had a lot to think about and wanted to escape the busy London atmosphere for the space that the mountain can offer. His family and friends are heartbroken, he is so well loved.
I appreciate your comment that people shouldn't underestimate the mountain and be prepared for the elements, but in this case you have jumped to a wrong conclusion.
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JM
08 April 2015Do not appreciate comments made by Mon1! Kyle's family are distraught and are in need of support and kind thoughts; not your negativity.
Please spare a thought for others before posting something as insensitive as that! Your last paragraph was especially horrible to read.
Kyle & his family are in my thoughts and I really hope they get news of his whereabouts soon x
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