Cape Town - Search and rescue teams have called off the search for Taro Spies after the two-week search yielded no results.
The vice-chairman of the Mountain Club of South Africa, Brent Jennings who was part of the 13-day search, said the teams did their best.
Spies of Muizenberg was last seen on May 12 and his car was found abandoned on Table Mountain Road. Searches were conducted that covered most of the mountain.
“This was one of the biggest mountain searches in history, in terms of resources, personnel and ground covered. We have yielded absolutely no results. We have covered an extensive area on the mountain.”
Jennings added that the last search took place on Sunday, with about 50 volunteers combing the area.
“It is a bit of a blow that the search had to be called off. Out of all the searches we have done, this is the fifth one we have failed in getting a result.”
Jennings said the chances of finding Spies alive on the mountain were now “highly unlikely” and that if he was found alive it would be in an urban area.
“If he had maybe left the mountain or was abducted or anything like that he could be found alive, it is rare but it has happened.”
Wilderness Search and Rescue spokesman Johann Marais said the search for Spies would continue during routine mountain searches.
“The search is no longer urgent. As part of our operations - and if we have volunteers available - we will continue to search for him. We mainly have volunteers available on weekends.”
Cape Argus