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Hopes for the safe return of a British man, missing since he embarked on a New Zealand mountain expedition nearly a week ago, have been heightened after rescuers noticed a torchlight.
Eli Sweeting, 25, initiated a significant search and rescue mission when he did not come back from a hike up the mile-high Mitre Peak near Milford Sound on Sunday, May 4.
Efforts by 60 search and rescue volunteers to find Mr. Sweeting have been challenged by adverse weather and tough terrain. His family has also traveled to assist with the search.
In an update, sister Serena Sweeting said: ‘There has been a light spotted at a point along the route down the mountain and all efforts have been focused there.
‘Searches have had to be halted over Wednesday and Thursday due to weather warnings.
‘The challenges are that the bush is so dense that it is hard for infrared to pick up any signs. Searches are due to continue from Friday, May 9.
A GoFundMe page set up by the family to raise funds for the rescue raised more than £8,700 in the first 24 hours.
Serena added: ‘We are looking for financial support to go towards the search and rescue teams to get the people and equipment out there safely as well as seeking people who have drones who could support the teams as sometimes this type of equipment is limited.
Hopes for Eli Sweeting, who has been missing since he set off on a New Zealand mountain expedition almost a week ago, have been boosted after rescuers spotted a torchlight
The 25-year-old sparked a major search and rescue operation when he failed to return from a hike up the mile-high Mitre Peak near Milford Sound on Sunday, May 4
He has not been heard from since Sunday, when he went to hike the mile-high Mitre Peak near Milford Sound (pictured with his sister Serena)
‘We need more people on the ground but this has to be experienced climbers who can safely belay themselves in and out of the area.
‘We would also like to raise money for New Zealand search and rescue and Alpine search and rescue and the Real New Zealand to say thank you and to aid them in the incredible life saving work they do.
‘Any help and support the family can get will be greatly appreciated in this difficult time. I just pray they find Eli.’
Family friend Samantha Eastwell, 31, also told MailOnline: ‘We are all just trying to stay positive, they keep seeing a light so they don’t know whether he is alive but when they keep having to call off the search because of the weather.
‘He’s a very outdoorsy guy and has been in New Zealand for a while. He was dressed for the conditions but Serena told me Eli had only packed for one night.
‘The whole family is very, very worried for him.
‘Being in the mountains and adventure is what my brother lives for and he spends lots of time preparing for these adventures and training.
‘My brother is one of the kindest, most compassionate people in my life and he has always been there for me.
Around 60 search and rescue volunteers as well as 10 police officers supported by helicopters have been scouring the area
‘He inspires me to live and get out of my comfort zone as well as listens and genuinely wants to know you and your story.
‘Anybody who has met him will know what I mean. He has such a positive, vibrant and supportive energy.
‘We just want him home safe.’
Mr Sweeting, who is originally from Bristol moved to New Zealand after graduating from the University of Derby with a degree in outdoor leadership and management.
Until recently he had been working for a boat cruising company but has also worked as a kayak guide and in fields including climbing and watersports.
Darryl Wilson, CEO of Wilsons Abel Tasman, told magazine Eli is a ‘bright, engaging, fill the room type person’.
He added: ‘Our thoughts are with the family and those who know him, because it is a trying time for everyone, a concerning time.
‘Eli is a very resilient individual, so we hope and pray at this point.’
Police said a large number of people had been working through arduous terrain, supported by helicopter crews. Pictured: Milford Sound
According to Eli’s profile on Wilsons, after ‘countless hours working and adventuring in the outdoors’
Police said a large number of people had been working through arduous terrain, supported by helicopter crews.
Detective Tracy Ward added: ‘There is also a huge amount of local support being provided by tourism operator Real NZ at Milford Sound.
‘Roughly 60 search and rescue volunteers, 10 police staff and numerous helicopter and tourism staff are working hard to find the missing man.
‘The search area is relatively contained but incredibly rugged and difficult to navigate once off the track.
‘At times, the search teams are only able to progress 250 metres in an hour.
‘While no items of interest have been positively linked to the missing man, a number of clues are being followed up on, and we remain hopeful that there will be a positive outcome.
‘The man we are looking for is experienced in the outdoors, and we believe he has suitable clothing and provisions, which can make all the difference.’
