A British mountaineer who went missing while returning from the 13,500-foot Musa Ka Musalla peak in Mansehra’s Siran Valley has been found dead after a three-day search operation.
The body of Alex Mark Harris was recovered from the forests of Paracha Katha after Rescue 1122, police, the Forest Department and local residents used drones and other available resources to locate him.
According to officials, Harris and fellow British national Cledwyn Allen David Cooper arrived in Mundakucha from Islamabad on August 28 and stayed at a local resort.
The two began their trek to Musa Ka Musalla on August 29.
The pair reportedly encountered heavy fog while descending from the summit. Harris became separated from Cooper and lost his way in the difficult terrain.
Cooper managed to return safely to Mundakucha and informed police about the incident on August 30.
Following the report, a search operation was launched in the area.
Rescue teams, police personnel, Forest Department officials and local volunteers took part in the effort, deploying drones to cover difficult-to-access areas.
After three days of continuous efforts, rescuers located Harris’ body in the Paracha Katha forest and recovered it from the area.
A report regarding the incident has also been forwarded by the police to the Central Police Office.
Officials said that the local administration had not received any prior information about the arrival or trekking plans of the two foreign nationals.
Their visit was also reportedly not registered on the FNSD dashboard.
Deputy Commissioner Khalid Iqbal said that despite all efforts, the mountaineer could not be rescued alive.
He added that it would be premature to determine the exact cause of Harris’ death at this stage.
The Mansehra police have launched a formal investigation into the incident and are examining the circumstances surrounding the mountaineer’s disappearance and death.
The incident highlights the risks faced by trekkers in the region’s rugged mountainous terrain, particularly during periods of poor visibility and severe weather conditions.