Physician Tom Doherty Missing – Tom Doherty, a retired British physician, has been missing since Tuesday after sending a distressing message to his family from the French Pyrenees. The 67-year-old, known for his passion for hiking and camping, set off on an expedition near Col d’Escots on Saturday, but has not been seen since he reached out for help earlier this week. Here’s what we know about the ongoing search and the circumstances leading up to his disappearance.
The Last Known Communication
Tom Doherty, from St Albans, had been actively sharing updates with his family during his trek. According to his daughter, Rachel Doherty, Tom had been sending pictures and messages about his hike. On Tuesday afternoon, he sent a photo showing clouds gathering over a mountain, accompanied by a single word: “bugger.” His family interpreted this as a sign of potential trouble and urged him to cut his hike short and descend to safety.
The final communication from Tom came at 7:07 p.m., when he messaged his family on WhatsApp, stating he had fallen and was unable to move. This message set off immediate concerns and triggered the search efforts. Rachel Doherty expressed the family’s deep worry, emphasizing their distress over his sudden loss of contact.
Search and Rescue Efforts
French authorities have initiated an urgent and extensive search operation for Tom Doherty. The effort includes helicopters and search dogs, which are scouring the challenging terrain where Doherty was last known to be. The search has been complicated by adverse weather conditions, including heavy fog, which has significantly reduced visibility and hampered rescue operations.
In an interview with French broadcaster France Info, Anne Doherty, Tom’s wife, revealed that while her husband frequently enjoys long walks, he was unfamiliar with the Col d’Escots area and lacked some of the essential equipment typically recommended for such rugged terrain. This lack of proper gear may have increased the difficulty of his situation, particularly in adverse weather conditions.
Community and Family Response
The search for Tom Doherty has garnered widespread attention, with local communities and fellow hikers expressing their concern and support. Social media platforms have been flooded with appeals for information, and volunteers have joined the search efforts, working alongside official rescue teams.
The family remains hopeful but anxious. They are urging anyone with information about Tom’s whereabouts or anyone who may have seen him in the area to come forward. The Doherty family continues to liaise with French authorities, providing any additional information that may assist in the search.
Ongoing Updates
As the search continues, the Doherty family is bracing for updates while holding onto hope for Tom’s safe return. The search operation remains active, and authorities are committed to finding Tom Doherty despite the challenging conditions. The situation remains fluid, with rescue teams adapting their strategies based on evolving weather conditions and new information.
The case of Tom Doherty serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of hiking in unfamiliar and challenging terrain, even for seasoned walkers. As the search progresses, the hope remains that Tom will be found safe and well. For those interested in following the search efforts or providing assistance, updates are being shared through official channels and social media platforms dedicated to Tom Doherty’s case.