An experienced British hiker has been reported missing in the Spanish Pyrenees mountain ranges for more than a week, after going on a solo hike while on a European road trip.
Esther Dingley, 37, was last seen on November 22, according to a Facebook post from her partner, Dan Colegate, who had also been travelling around Europe with her.
Ms Dingley, an experienced hiker and Mr Colegate have been on a camper van tour of Europe since 2014.
It is understood the last contact Ms Dingley made with Mr Colegate was when she sent a text message with a picture of her on top of Pic de Sauvegarde on the France-Spain border on November 22.
Since being reported missing, French authorities have confirmed that six search teams – including a helicopter – have been out looking for her.
“I’m broken,” Mr Colegate said on the couple’s shared Facebook page, “Esther & Dan,” according to CNN.
“Shattered to report that my beloved Esther, the person who taught me how to feel, is missing.
“Search and rescue teams have so far found no trace of her.”
In a subsequent post, the search and rescue team pleaded with anyone to contact PGHM Bagnères de Luchon” to come forward with any information about her.
It is understood Ms Dingley was away from her partner for a month at the time she went missing and was travelling in the couple’s campervan while her partner stayed in the Gascony area of France on a farm.
According to The Independent, Colegate said their last conversation was about “how excited we were to see each other as this was her last trip before driving back”.
“I’ve not been saying anything, but this wonderful person believes in the power of positive thought and right now I’ll take anything if it means that she can be found,” Mr Colegate added.
“I need her back. I can’t face the alternative.”
