Kaski: One of the two Spanish tourists who went missing while trekking in the Annapurna region has been found dead, according to local authorities.

The body of 37-year-old Eric Casanova was discovered today in the Bhurungdi River, approximately one kilometer downstream from Mauzakhola, where his bag had been found earlier. The search continues for his companion, 32-year-old Molas Junka Mesi, who remains missing.

The two tourists had registered their trek to Ghorepani via Ulleri at the Birethanti check post of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) on August 25. They were last seen in the Tikhedhunga area of Annapurna Rural Municipality-9 in Kaski.

A search operation was launched this morning involving armed police, Nepal Police, local representatives, tourism professionals, and residents. It is suspected that the tourists may have fallen into the river while attempting to take pictures near a waterfall, as their walking sticks were found close to the site.

The District Police Office Kaski has confirmed the discovery of two abandoned bags on the road the same evening the tourists registered at the ACAP check post, which led to the identification of their personal details.

Yam Bahadur Gurung, in charge of the ACAP Birethanti Checkpost, stated that the search for the missing woman will continue on Wednesday. The Spanish Embassy has been notified of the incident.