A British man has been missing for 4 days after he climbed a mountain solo in Recent Zealand.
Eli Sweeting, 25, who’s originally from Bristol but now lives in Recent Zealand, has not returned from his trip to Mitre Peak, on the south island of the country.
His family has now flown out and a GoFundMe page has been launched to assist in the search.
Family friend Samantha Eastwell, 31, told MailOnline: ‘We’re all just attempting to stay positive, they keep seeing a lightweight so that they don’t know whether he’s alive but once they keep having to call off the search due to the weather.
‘He’s a really outdoorsy guy and has been in Recent Zealand for some time. He was dressed for the conditions but [his sister] Serena told me Eli had only packed for one night.
‘The entire family could be very, very fearful for him and are flying on the market now.’
Eli graduated from the University of Derby with a level in outdoor leadership and management before he moved to Recent Zealand.
His family have described that he has a love for the outside, and has worked as a kayak guide and for a ship cruising company.
His sister, Serena Sweeting, added: ‘Being within the mountains and adventure is what my brother lives for and he spends plenty of time preparing for these adventures and training.
‘My brother is considered one of the kindest, most compassionate people in my life and he has all the time been there for me.
‘He inspires me to live and get out of my comfort zone in addition to listens and genuinely desires 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 secure.’
Search and rescue volunteers, rescue helicopters and law enforcement officials have all been searching the mountain for Eli.
Detective Tracy Ward said: ‘There may be also an enormous amount of local support being provided by tourism operator Real NZ at Milford Sound.
‘Roughly 60 search and rescue volunteers, 10 police staff and various helicopter and tourism staff are working hard to search out the missing man.
‘The search area is comparatively contained but incredibly rugged and difficult to navigate once off the track.
‘At times, the search teams are only capable of progress 250metres in an hour.
‘While no items of interest have been positively linked to the missing man, a lot of clues are being followed up on, and we remain hopeful that there might be a positive consequence.
‘The person we’re searching for is experienced in the outside, and we imagine he has suitable clothing and provisions, which may make all of the difference.’
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