Rescuers faced whiteout conditions on Ben Nevis
Hopes for the survival of a walker missing on Ben Nevis are fading after extreme weather prevented a search for the man today.
Police said there was still no sign of 20-year-old Haider Ali Manir, who was reported missing by his cousin, who had been walking with him on the mountain, at 6pm on Sunday.
No further searches will be possible today, a spokesperson for Northern Constabulary said, due to extremely poor weather conditions. A major operation involving Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team, RAF Kinloss MRT, RAF Valley MRT, Search and Rescue Dogs Association members and a Sea King helicopter from HMS Gannet in Ayrshire, was abandoned late yesterday afternoon in the face of worsening weather.
Chief Inspector John Chisholm, area commander for Lochaber, Skye and Lochalsh, who is co-ordinating the search, said: “The passage of time, coupled with the severe weather up on the mountain, sadly indicates that it’s highly unlikely Mr Manir has survived.
“The weather here today has made it impossible to search and indeed the Met Office has predicted further severe weather for the next two days. It may be possible to conduct a further search at the weekend if conditions permit.”
The family of the Worcester man are being kept informed of the situation.
John Stevenson, leader of Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team, said: “I am satisfied that we have conducted a saturation search in extremely hazardous conditions.
“Search personnel encountered whiteout conditions near the summit of Ben Nevis with blowing snow and ice underfoot. We have a severe forecast over the next few days and this will prevent further search activity.
“We hope to resume our efforts when a suitable weather window permits.”
Police said the mountain has been very busy over the past few days and are appealing to anyone who might have seen Mr Manir on the hill to contact them. He was last seen wearing jeans and a navy jacket and black hat.
Anyone with information should call Fort William Police station on 01397 702361.
