Moment missing 80-year-old hiker feared dead turns up at press conference

This is the incredible moment a missing 80-year-old hiker feared dead was today reunited with his loved ones following a tireless three-day search.  

Pensioner Harry Harvey was reported missing in the Gunnerside area of Richmondshire, North Yorkshire, at around 1.30pm on Sunday.

Described as a ‘competent hiker’, Harry was miraculously found alive by a wildlife photographer this morning after camping in the open for three nights.

A police press conference was organised for today where his family, from Tynemouth, planned an appeal for members of the public to help in the search. 

But as the conference was about to begin at the Tann Hill Inn, one of the most remote pubs in England, Harry unexpectedly pulled up in a Land Rover.

Video shows the heartwarming moment Harry was helped out by members of a mountain rescue team and embraced by his tearful family in an emotional reunion 

A press conference was organised for today where his family planned an appeal for members of the public to help in the search. But as the conference was about to begin at the Tann Hill Inn, one of the most remote pubs in England, Harry unexpectedly pulled up in a Land Rover

A press conference was organised for today where his family planned an appeal for members of the public to help in the search. But as the conference was about to begin at the Tann Hill Inn, one of the most remote pubs in England, Harry unexpectedly pulled up in a Land Rover

Video shows the heartwarming moment Harry was helped out by members of a mountain rescue team and embraced by his tearful family. 

Police said Harry had fallen outside the remote village of Keld and had lain on the moor since Sunday, surviving three nights in the open.

Just as the press conference was getting underway he was found by a local person walking near Keld, who raised the alarm. Knowing his family were nearby making their appeal, the rescuers wasted no time in speeding Harry to Tann Hill.

Mountain rescue teams, who based themselves at the Tan Hill Inn, worked through the night to find Mr Harvey. Local residents and workers were asked to check sheds and barns after Mr Harvey did not reach the pub to meet a friend as intended.

Those involved include Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team, Teesdale & Weardale Mountain Rescue Team, North of Tyne Mountain Rescue, Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue, Cleveland Mountain Rescue, RAF Mountain Rescue and Mountain Rescue Search Dogs England. 

More than 60 people were involved in the search operation along with the police helicopter and specialist search dogs and handlers.

Harry Harvey was reported missing in the Gunnerside area of Richmondshire, North Yorkshire, at around 1.30pm on Sunday. Described as a 'competent hiker', Harry was miraculously found alive by a wildlife photographer this morning after camping in the open for two nights

Harry Harvey was reported missing in the Gunnerside area of Richmondshire, North Yorkshire, at around 1.30pm on Sunday. Described as a ‘competent hiker’, Harry was miraculously found alive by a wildlife photographer this morning after camping in the open for two nights

Mountain rescue teams, who based themselves at the Tan Hill Inn, worked through the night to find Mr Harvey. Local residents and workers were asked to check sheds and barns after Mr Harvey did not reach the pub to meet a friend as intended

Mountain rescue teams, who based themselves at the Tan Hill Inn, worked through the night to find Mr Harvey. Local residents and workers were asked to check sheds and barns after Mr Harvey did not reach the pub to meet a friend as intended

Search and rescue teams had launched an urgent hunt to find an 80-year-old man who went missing during a walk on the Pennine Moors on Sunday

Search and rescue teams had launched an urgent hunt to find an 80-year-old man who went missing during a walk on the Pennine Moors on Sunday

Peter Roe, from Swaledale Mountain rescue Team, said: ‘He had got lost for a couple of days in the mist on the moor then found his way to the road.

‘He had a bit of a fall but had managed to deal with it himself and was absolutely fine. We could have been walking a few yards from him and we wouldn’t have known – he’s a really nice chap.’

Inspector Mark Gee said Mr Harvey had been staying at Tan Hill on Friday night with a group and had got separated from the group on Saturday. 

Mr Harvey was walking and looked in reasonable health, although had a plaster on his head. Rescuers heard he had been found minutes before a press conference was due to start when the family were due to appeal for help to find him.

It has now emerged he had actually been missing since Saturday, meaning he had survived four days in the open. He was reported missing on Sunday afternoon. 

A spokesperson for Swaledale Mountain Rescue Team said yesterday: ‘The team will be out again today searching for Harry in the Tan Hill area. Thanks again to the other Mountain Rescue Teams and Mountain Rescue Search Dogs assisting us. 

North Yorkshire Police said this morning: 'Harry Harvey has been found safe and well'

North Yorkshire Police said this morning: ‘Harry Harvey has been found safe and well’

‘Huge thanks also to local people supporting us with food, shelter and off-road transport, Ghyllfoot Tearoom Gunnerside, Tan Hill Inn, Kings Head, Gunnerside and Gunnerside Estate Gamekeepers.’

The team say that to search the vast area effectively using search dogs they need as few scents in the area as possible, hence why they have not asked for public assistance with the searches.  

North Yorkshire Police said this morning: ‘Harry Harvey has been found safe and well. He was found by a wildlife photographer who had seen our appeal and noticed Harry waving at her from the direction of Keld.’

Inspector Mark Gee said: ‘This is fantastic news that Harry has been found safe and well. I want to thank all the search volunteers for their time, as well as gamekeepers, estate owners, farmers and local residents for their help and understanding.

‘Thanks also to the Tan Hill, who looked after the volunteers and Mr Harvey’s family.’ 

When Harry went missing he was wearing a dark jacket and trousers, walking boots and carrying a large dark rucksack containing all of his camping and hiking gear.

Leave a Comment