Search ongoing for climber missing after avalanche

A search is ongoing for a climber who disappeared after an avalanche on Aonach Mor in the Highlands.

Police have released in image of missing man Andrew Vine, 41, who was last seen on the West Face of the mountain around 1pm on Friday.

Mr Vine is described as white, 5 ft 11 ins tall, of medium build with ginger/brown hair and beard. He was last seen wearing a red jacket, yellow La Sportiva boots, black trousers and carrying a yellow rucksack.

The search of the mountain and surrounding area involves police, local mountain rescue teams and coastguard.

Sergeant Ross McCartney said: “As times passes we are becoming increasingly concerned for Mr Vine and would like to speak to anyone who has seen him since 1pm on Friday, February 28.”

Lochaber Mountain Rescue said they were assessing how to proceed with the search because of the risk posed by weather conditions.

An update on social media said: “Over the past three days, 3 iSMR rescue teams, Lochaber, Glencoe and Cairngorm have been searching for a person who had been caught in an avalanche on Aonoch Mor.

“There were two people in the party and one was able to make their way out to the ski area of Aonoch Mor, despite suffering injuries in the avalanche.

“Extensive searches have failed to locate the second person The ongoing high avalanche risk across the search area has not helped the operation and rescuers have been operating in very high risk locations.

“So far some 120 plus man days have been spent on the search assisted by both R151 from Inverness and R948 from Stornaway.

“We are presently assessing as to how we proceed with this search as the weather conditions and the high avalanche risk could put rescuers at risk.”

If you have any information contact police on 101.