A British hiker has gone missing in a mountain range in northern Spain amid adverse weather conditions. The 61-year-old man reported being lost and exhausted during an urgent SOS call to emergency responders around 7pm on Thursday. He had been exploring the renowned Picos de Europa mountain range.
Search Efforts Underway
Authorities have launched a coordinated land and air search, but the man has not yet been located. A spokesperson for the regional government-run emergency response coordination centre stated late yesterday: 'We are coordinating a rescue that began at 7.11pm on Thursday after receiving a 999 call from the Castilla and Leon province 999 ops centre, informing us that a 61-year-old British mountaineer had become disorientated while on a mountain route in the Picos de Europa.'
The spokesperson added: 'At that moment he did not know his location. The weather conditions were poor, with strong winds, low clouds, and intermittent rain, and he said he was exhausted.' The man's approximate location was determined using coordinates he provided.
Rescue Operations
A regional government rescue helicopter was deployed with two rescuers, including a nurse. The Civil Guard and provincial firefighters were also alerted. Upon reaching the area where the British man was believed to be, the helicopter conducted several reconnaissance flights but failed to spot him. As night fell, rescuers proceeded on foot, accompanied by a Civil Guard specialist mountain search and rescue team.
The operation continued into the early hours of Friday despite worsening conditions, including snowfall in the area. The search resumed at first light on Friday.
Regional Assistance
Officials from the neighbouring region of Asturias have also been called in to assist. A Civil Guard spokesperson said: 'A search operation is underway in the Picos de Europa for a 61-year-old who is disorientated in the area between Cain and Torrecerredo in Leon. During the night, Civil Guard mountain specialists, along with other emergency responders, have been combing the area using the coordinates provided. Additional units have been integrated into the ongoing operation at first light.'
The Picos de Europa
The Picos de Europa, or Peaks of Europe, is a mountain range extending approximately 12 miles, forming part of the Cantabrian Mountains in northern Spain. The range lies within the autonomous communities of Asturias, Cantabria, and Castile and Leon. Its highest peak is Torre de Cerredo, standing at 8,690 feet.
