Heroic 75-Hour Rescue of Injured Italian Caver Concludes Safely

After a harrowing 75-hour rescue operation involving over 150 volunteers, injured caver Ottavia Piana has been safely airlifted to a hospital following an accident deep within the Abisso Bueno Fonteno cave system.

Ottavia Piana, a 32-year-old experienced speleologist, has been successfully rescued from a treacherous cave system in the Bergamo area of northern Italy after a 75-hour operation led by the Italian Alpine Rescue Service. Piana was exploring an uncharted section of the Abisso Bueno Fonteno cave when a rock collapsed, causing her to fall approximately 5-6 meters (16-19 feet) and resulting in serious injuries to her vertebrae, ribs, face, and knee.

The rescue mission was a massive undertaking, involving more than 150 volunteers from Italy's Alpine and cave rescue corps who worked tirelessly to navigate the complex cave system. Piana was brought to the surface around 03:00 on Wednesday, after rescue teams faced challenging conditions, including narrow tunnels and the need for explosive charges to clear debris.

Giorgio Pannuzzo, a volunteer who was with Piana at the time of the accident, described the urgency of the situation, noting that freezing winds at the cave's entrance posed an additional threat to her well-being. The rescue involved constant monitoring, with six doctors and eight nurses providing assistance throughout the arduous operation.

Piana, who had previously been rescued from the same cave system just 17 months prior, expressed her determination never to return to the caves after this traumatic event. She was engaged in a mapping project of unexplored areas of the cave when the incident occurred, showcasing both the peril and the exhilaration that comes with such adventurous pursuits.

The successful conclusion of this rescue effort highlights the dedication and bravery of the volunteers who risked their safety to save Piana's life.