On Saturday morning, the search for an elderly shepherd who went missing late last week ended in the mountainous area of Urbia in the province of Gipuzkoa. The 77-year-old man had been missing since Thursday, when he failed to return home after heading to pasture. Rescuers discovered his body near Mount Artzanburu, in the same area where his dog was found the day before.
The search operation lasted two days and drew the attention of not only local residents but the entire Basque Country. Emergency services, volunteers, and the missing man’s relatives participated in the effort. The challenging terrain and unpredictable weather complicated the rescuers’ work, though hope of finding the man alive remained until the last moment.
On Friday evening, the search team found the shepherd’s dog, which breathed new life into the operation in that area. The following morning, in close proximity to where the dog was found, the man’s body was discovered. According to preliminary reports, there are no signs of foul play.
Locals say the shepherd knew these mountains well and often visited the area around Artzanburu. His disappearance came as a shock to the small community, where such tragedies are extremely rare. Many have expressed condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.
Regional authorities expressed their gratitude to everyone involved in the search and emphasized the importance of unity in such situations. An official investigation into the circumstances of the incident is expected to take place soon to determine the exact cause of the man’s death.
