Explorer Injured in Italian Cave Rescued After 75-Hour Operation

The experienced caver has been evacuated after sustaining multiple injuries during an exploratory expedition in northern Italy.

Ottavia Piana, a 32-year-old experienced speleologist, was rescued from the depths of the Abisso Bueno Fonteno cave system in northern Italy on Wednesday after enduring a fall and subsequent injuries. The incident occurred while she was mapping an uncharted area of the cave, located between Lake Iseo and Lake Endine, when a rock gave way, causing her to plunge approximately 5-6 meters (16-19 feet).

The meticulous rescue, which involved more than 150 volunteers from the Alpine and cave rescue corps, was a race against time due to the severity of Piana's injuries, which included damage to her vertebrae, ribs, face, and knee. The rescue operation lasted 75 hours, concluding around 03:00 (02:00 GMT) on Wednesday, as her stretcher was finally extracted from the cave.

Giorgio Pannuzzo, a rescue volunteer on site at the time of the accident, characterized Piana's condition as exhausted and in pain but expressed relief that she was successfully brought to safety. With frigid winds near the cave entrance posing an additional risk, prompt action was essential.

Piana’s mission to explore previously uncharted sections of this labyrinthine cave system was not her first encounter with danger; this marks the second time in 17 months that she has required rescue from the same location. The rescue team comprised 159 volunteers from 13 Italian regions, coordinated efforts by 6 doctors, and facilitated by 8 nurses who rendered constant medical assistance throughout the harrowing ordeal.

During the operation, amid strenuous efforts to navigate narrow passages and remove blockages, Piana conveyed her resolve to never return to the cave again, signaling the trauma of her experience. The ingenuity of the rescue teams was evident as some utilized small explosives to aid in her extraction. Rescuers emphasized the critical nature of the operation, showcasing a strong collaborative spirit among the volunteers dedicated to ensuring Piana’s safe return.