Search Teams Have Sought Missing Hiker on Mount Olympus
A search effort is underway for 46-year-old Israeli resident Ami Yogev, who disappeared on Greece's highest peak.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Current Conditions
Rescue crews have launched an extensive search on the 2,917-meter-tall Mount Olympus for Ami Yogev. The 46-year-old hiker from Modi'in, Israel, has been missing since last heard from on September 20, 2026.
Why it matters
The search has transitioned to a private operation managed by his family after they initiated a crowdfunding campaign to cover costs. The effort remains critical as authorities and volunteers continue to sweep the terrain following the discovery of his vehicle.
Search teams are currently scouring Mount Olympus, which stands at an elevation of 2,917 meters (9,570 feet). The hiker remains missing five days after he was last confirmed at the summit.
The players
Ami Yogev
He is a 46-year-old resident of Modi'in, Israel, who has been missing since his hiking trip in Greece.
Magnus
This is the specialized search and rescue organization currently leading the operation on Mount Olympus.
The details
A local climbing guide reported seeing Yogev at the mountain's summit with a bandaged leg shortly before he vanished. Search teams are currently employing drones and ground volunteers to canvas the area where his car and personal belongings were recovered in a parking lot.
Timeline
September 20, 2026: Ami Yogev last spoke to his mother and was seen at the mountain summit.
September 23, 2026: A rescue team from Magnus arrived on Mount Olympus to begin operations.
September 25, 2026: The search remains active for the missing hiker.
Seasonal Patterns
The search operation follows established search and rescue protocols for missing persons on Mount Olympus. These efforts mirror standard emergency responses for high-altitude terrain in Greece where hikers frequently encounter hazardous conditions.
The family has established a crowdfunding campaign to finance the private rescue efforts required to navigate the mountain's difficult terrain. Supporters are encouraged to assist through these verified channels to ensure the search team can maintain their ongoing ground and drone operations.
The takeaway
Hikers visiting high-altitude regions like Mount Olympus should secure comprehensive travel insurance before departure to cover potential emergency search and rescue costs. Family-led search efforts face significant financial hurdles when relying on private funding without pre-existing coverage.
Further reading
For more updates on global emergency responses, see Current Conditions.
