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Search for Tyneside climber's body in Himalayas called off
12 July 2019, 13:19 | Updated: 12 July 2019, 13:23
The search for the body of missing Tyneside mountaineer Martin Moran in the Himalayas has been called off.
Eight climbers, thought to be four Britons, two Americans, one Australian and an Indian liaison officer, disappeared after an avalanche in the Nanda Devi region of India in May.
Search and rescue teams recovered seven bodies from the group, however Mr Moran's family said in a statement that the mountain guide remains missing and the search has now been called off due to adverse weather conditions.
The post on social media said: "It is with a heavy heart that we can now confirm that the 8th member of the expedition, whose body remains missing in the mountains is that of Martin Moran.
"With monsoon season in full force in the Himalaya, the conditions in the mountains have worsened and with the safety of the recovery teams in mind, the search for Martin has been called off.
"We have received an overwhelming outpouring of love and support for us and for all the families who have lost their loved one.
"Your kindness has given us hope and light on the darkest of days.
"Martin was a beloved husband, father, friend and colleague.
"We will honour his memory by continuing to journey into the mountains and to all the places he held dear."
Led by Martin, the team was attempting to reach the top of an unclimbed peak in a remote area.
Four other British members of the expedition were rescued.
Mr Moran has been a mountain guide since 1985 and set up his company, Moran Mountain, based in Strathcarron in the Scottish Highlands, with his wife Joy, while their grown-up children, Hazel and Alex, also work for the business.
The rescued group, who had stayed back at the second base camp, were brought down on Sunday and given first aid at a hospital in the town of Pithoragarh before being discharged.
They are Mark Thomas, 44, Zachary Quain, 32, Kate Armstone, 39, and Ian Wade, 45.
An event to celebrate Martin's life is being held tomorrow in the Scottish Highlands - where he set up his business.
