A search operation is under way in the Imbros Gorge in Sfakia, in the Chania region of Crete, for a 73-year-old British tourist who went hiking last Sunday and has not been seen since.

The man had travelled to the island on holiday. According to state broadcaster ERT, his wife told authorities that he said on Sunday he was about to begin the descent through the gorge, one of the most popular hiking routes on Crete, which runs for roughly 8km (5 miles) between the village of Imbros and Komitades.

She has had no word from him since and alerted the local authorities, who launched the search once the first 48 hours had passed.

Officers from Sfakia police station, which is leading the preliminary investigation, are taking part in the operation, with reinforcements sent from the Chania Police Directorate.