Rescuers are continuing their search for a Swiss tourist who went missing on the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia`s Far East, the regional emergencies ministry said on Tuesday.

Widner Eric was reported missing on Monday, when a group of snowmobilers, comprised of three Swiss nationals and four Russians, was crossing a mountain pass about 30 kilometers from the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.

An emergencies ministry spokesman said the search was hampered by blizzards and bad weather conditions, adding that the group had not registered either with any of the local tour operators or rescue services.

He said the rescue helicopter had to return to base and would remain on standby until the weather improved.
sections: Accidents