Caver Ottavia Piana, aged 32, was airlifted to a hospital after a serious fall in the Abisso Bueno Fonteno cave system in Bergamo, Northern Italy, where she sustained multiple injuries. In an arduous operation that lasted 75 hours, over 150 volunteers from the Alpine and cave rescue corps worked tirelessly to navigate narrow tunnels and clear obstacles to reach her.
Explorer Rescued Again from Italian Cave: A Grueling 75-Hour Operation
Explorer Rescued Again from Italian Cave: A Grueling 75-Hour Operation
In a spectacular rescue operation, a seasoned caver has been saved from the depths of an Italian cave for the second time, highlighting the dangers faced by those exploring uncharted territories.
On Saturday afternoon, while exploring an uncharted section of the cave, Piana fell approximately 5-6 meters (16-19 feet) due to a rock collapse beneath her, resulting in injuries to her vertebrae, ribs, face, and knee. Known for her experience as a speleologist, this incident marks her second rescue in less than 18 months from the same cave. Giorgio Pannuzzo, a member of the rescue team, shared the urgency of the situation, stating, "We were in a rush... if we'd stopped she would have suffered even more from the cold."
The rescue mobilized 159 volunteers from 13 Italian regions, along with a dedicated team of six doctors and eight nurses who constantly monitored Piana's condition throughout the operation. Despite the grueling conditions and the risk associated with the rescue, the team was determined to carry her out safely. “During the operation, Piana expressed her desire to never return to the cave again,” a sentiment resonating with the harrowing experiences faced during the rescue.
The Abisso Bueno Fonteno cave system remains a largely unexplored area with tunnels and underground galleries connecting the regions between Lake Iseo and Lake Endine. While the safety risks are well-documented, the commitment of volunteers and rescue personnel continues to showcase the spirit of teamwork and compassion in the face of danger.
The rescue mobilized 159 volunteers from 13 Italian regions, along with a dedicated team of six doctors and eight nurses who constantly monitored Piana's condition throughout the operation. Despite the grueling conditions and the risk associated with the rescue, the team was determined to carry her out safely. “During the operation, Piana expressed her desire to never return to the cave again,” a sentiment resonating with the harrowing experiences faced during the rescue.
The Abisso Bueno Fonteno cave system remains a largely unexplored area with tunnels and underground galleries connecting the regions between Lake Iseo and Lake Endine. While the safety risks are well-documented, the commitment of volunteers and rescue personnel continues to showcase the spirit of teamwork and compassion in the face of danger.
