Rescuers search for seven Moscow skiers in North Caucasus mountains

More than 80 rescuers of the Emergencies Ministry are searching for seven Moscow skiers lost in the mountains of Kabardino-Balkaria (an autonomous republic in the North Caucasus), a spokesman for Russia's Emergencies Ministry told RIA Novosti.

According to him, the search and rescue operation is currently under way near the village of Terskol at the foot of the Elbrus mountain.

"A group of Moscow teenagers left the flat they rented in Terskol on 12 February and, without telling anyone of their plans, headed for the mountains," the Emergencies Ministry's spokesman said. He added that the skiers had not registered with the local authorities, nor had they discussed their route with anyone.

"Nothing but personal belongings of the teenagers were found in the flat they were renting. Therefore, a decision was made to start an emergency search and rescue operation," the spokesman said.