In brief
Ottavia Piana, a seasoned caver, was airlifted to a hospital following a dramatic rescue from the Abisso Bueno Fonteno cave system in northern Italy, marking her second rescue from this cave in 17 months.
Ottavia Piana, a 32-year-old experienced caver, was successfully rescued from the Abisso Bueno Fonteno cave system in Bergamo, northern Italy, after suffering significant injuries during a solo exploration of uncharted territory. The incident occurred on Saturday when a rock collapsed, causing her to fall approximately 5-6 meters (16-19 feet), resulting in injuries to her vertebrae, ribs, face, and knee.The rescue operation, which commenced immediately, involved over 150 volunteers, spearheaded by Italy's Alpine and cave rescue corps. They faced challenging conditions, including freezing winds at the cave's entrance, which posed additional risks to Piana’s fragile state. Giorgio Pannuzzo, a volunteer who remained with her during her ordeal, reported that the team had to act quickly to prevent further suffering from the cold.Piana was engaged in a project aimed at mapping a previously unexplored section of the cave system, which includes an intricate network of caves, tunnels, and underground galleries situated between Lake Iseo and Lake Endine. As rescue teams navigated the cave's difficult terrain, they employed both manpower and controlled explosives to clear paths for the stretcher that carried Piana to safety.The rescue involved a staggering 159 volunteers from 13 different regions of Italy, alongside a team of six doctors and eight nurses who provided continuous monitoring and care throughout the nearly 75-hour operation. Piana, exhausted but relieved, expressed her unwillingness to return to the cave following this traumatic experience. Rescuers remain proud of their collective efforts in successfully bringing Piana to safety once again.
