Missing 80-Year-Old Hiker Shows Up At Press Conference Held To Locate Him

An 80-year-old man who went missing while hiking during a hailstorm surprised his family members Wednesday by turning up at a press conference arranged to try and find him.

Harry Harvey, an experienced outdoorsman, disappeared while hiking Sunday in the dense woodlands of Yorkshire Dales in northeastern England. He was reported missing shortly after he got separated from his walking partner.

A search operation was carried out by more than 100 mountain rescue workers, along with police officials, members of the Royal Air Force and search dogs, but they couldn't locate Harvey.

Following his disappearance, a press conference was arranged for Wednesday to make a public plea for help. It turned out to be a surprise moment for relieved family members as Harvey showed up at the conference. He was rescued after a wildlife photographer spotted him and alerted the search teams, CNN reported.

Addressing reporters at the press conference, Harvey said he was caught in a "really heavy" hailstorm when he went missing. He said he set up a tent after finding a safe place to camp and survived on canned beans for three days. When asked about an injury on his forehead, Harvey said he got it when he fell off a bridge after losing his glasses and compass.

"I had three really good wild camping nights where I was on my own and had all the kit I needed. The only thing I was getting a bit short of... I've got a hell of an appetite... and when I get hungry I've got to get something to eat or I can't go on," said Harvey.

Harvey’s daughter-in-law, who wasn't identified by name, said it was a harrowing experience for the family. "He's had a blast, we've had a nightmare," she said at the press conference.

When asked how he felt about the press conference-turned-celebration, Harvey joked, "If I'd have known, I wouldn't have come back. I could do without all of this."

"Great news Harry Harvey has been found safe and well on the moor near Tan Hill. Over 100 mountain rescue members have been involved in the successful search over the last three days. Thanks also for the substantial support offered by local people," Swaledale Mountain Rescue posted on Facebook.