Context:

Eli Sweeting, a 25-year-old British hiker originally from Bristol, went missing after a solo hike up Mitre Peak in New Zealand's South Island on May 4. Despite extensive search efforts involving local volunteers, helicopters, search dogs, and family members, the search was paused due to the challenging and dangerous terrain of the Milford Sound area. Inspector Matt Scoles, acting district commander, announced the decision, emphasizing the difficulty of the situation for Sweeting's family and the ongoing review of search efforts. Sweeting's sister described him as an experienced climber familiar with the terrain, highlighting the risks involved in the search operation. Efforts included aerial searches using thermal imagery and drones, but dense forest conditions complicated the detection of movement, prompting frequent updates to Sweeting's family by the police.

Dive Deeper:

• Eli Sweeting, a 25-year-old from Bristol, was reported missing on May 4 after he did not return from a solo hike up Mitre Peak, one of New Zealand's steep mountains located on the South Island.

• A large-scale search was quickly organized, involving local volunteers, helicopters, search dogs, and some of Sweeting's family who traveled to New Zealand to assist in the search.

• On Monday afternoon, the search was officially paused by local police due to the dangerous and challenging terrain of the Milford Sound area, described as extremely perilous by the authorities.

• Sweeting's sister, Serena, noted in a fundraising message that her brother was an experienced climber who had previously navigated similar terrains, underscoring the unexpected nature of his disappearance.

• The search efforts included a concentrated focus on the climbers' route and an aerial survey of the entire area using two helicopters equipped with thermal imaging technology, alongside a drone deployment.

• A specific light spotted on the mountain led the search team to concentrate on a route leading down, but dense forest conditions complicated movement detection, making the search more challenging.

• Police have maintained regular communication with Sweeting's family to provide updates and have expressed their commitment to reviewing the search efforts for any further possible actions.