Caver Rescued After Serious Fall in Northern Italy’s Abisso Bueno Fonteno Cave System
A dramatic rescue operation unfolded in the Bergamo region of northern Italy, where 32-year-old caver Ottavia Piana was airlifted to the hospital after falling 5-6 meters (16-19 feet) in an uncharted section of the Abisso Bueno Fonteno cave. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon, resulting in significant injuries to her vertebrae, ribs, face, and knee.
Over 150 volunteers, including the Alpine and cave rescue corps, coordinated a tireless operation that concluded around 03:00 local time on Wednesday. Remarkably, this marks the second rescue for Piana in just 17 months in the same cave system, highlighting the inherent risks associated with caving adventures.
Rescue volunteer Giorgio Pannuzzo, who was present during the accident, expressed relief at Piana’s recovery. “She’s tired, exhausted, and in pain… We succeeded,” he stated. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, as a freezing wind at the cave’s entrance could have exacerbated her suffering.
Piana was actively engaged in a project aimed at mapping a previously unexplored portion of the cave system when the accident occurred. The area between Lake Iseo and Lake Endine features a vast network of caves, tunnels, and underground galleries, many of which remain untouched.
The rescuers faced a race against time due to Piana’s condition, requiring dozens of volunteers to carry her stretcher while clearing multiple obstructions. They maneuvered through narrow passages and utilized small explosives to facilitate her extraction.
The CNSAS Alpine rescue service reported that 159 volunteers from 13 Italian regions participated in the extensive 75-hour rescue operation, with a dedicated team of six doctors and eight nurses consistently monitoring Piana’s condition throughout the ordeal. During the rescue, Piana expressed her determination never to return to the cave.
