Ras Al Khaimah: The body of a climber, understood to be a British pilot, was found in Ras Al Khaimah mountains on Wednesday.
The man was missing for 24 hours before his body was recovered by police helicopter.
Earlier, Gulf News reported the body was recovered by Ras Al Khaimah’s police helicopter at the bottom of the dangerous Ghaleila mountains.
Colonel Sulaiman Mohammad Alkizi, Chief of Al Rams police station said on Wednesday the climber was stranded at 1,800 metres for 24 hours.
Identified as T.J.M, the 31-year-old plunged to his death down a deep crevasse on one of the Ghaleila mountains.
“All rescues are difficult on these mountains,” Alkizi said. Ras Al Khaimah police, which is highly experienced in mountain rescue, was alerted to the plight of the climber on October 1.
Alkizi said the man had informed one of his friends at work that he was attempting to climb one of the Ghaleila peaks at night as it was his favourite hobby. His work colleagues and manager informed police that he was missing for one day.
Police and his work colleagues called the climber on his mobile phone but he did not answer them, Alkizi said.
The expat worked at an industrial company, based in Ras Al Khaimah.
He failed to alert police to the fact he was attempting to climb one of the highest peaks.
After a tough night searching for the man in darkness and low visibility, police and Ghaleila residents continued searching for a second day on Wednesday.
“It was too dangerous, they had to climb up to 1,800 metres and then start searching,” Alkizi said.
The police’s helicopter spotted the body of the climber with help of Ghaleila residents.
The body was airlifted to hospital and then handed over to his family, Colonel Alkizi confirmed.
Colonel Alkizi urged residents to exercise caution during climbs in the mountains, and reminded them to abide by safety standards, especially when mountaineering at night.
Climbers should also notify authorities before they head out on such journeys.
