In brief
Veteran speleologist Ottavia Piana has been rescued from the Abisso Bueno Fonteno cave system in northern Italy for the second time in less than two years.
Ottavia Piana, a seasoned explorer, faced a terrifying ordeal when she fell approximately 5-6 meters (16-19 feet) in an uncharted section of the Abisso Bueno Fonteno cave near Bergamo, northern Italy. During her fall on Saturday afternoon, the 32-year-old sustained serious injuries, including damage to her vertebrae, ribs, face, and knee. In a meticulously coordinated effort, over 150 experienced volunteers from Italy’s Alpine and cave rescue corps sprang into action, leading to Piana's eventual airlift to the hospital at around 03:00 (02:00 GMT) on Wednesday. This incident marks the second rescue operation for Piana within a 17-month span. Giorgio Pannuzzo, a volunteer who accompanied her during the frightening situation, stated, “She's tired, exhausted and in pain...We have succeeded.” He emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting, “There was a freezing wind right by the entrance [to the cave] and if we'd stopped she would have suffered even more.” At the time of the incident, Piana was actively participating in a project aimed at mapping the largely unexplored cave system. The intricate network of tunnels and galleries located between Lake Iseo and Lake Endine is mostly uncharted territory, adding an extra layer of complexity to her rescue.Rescue teams worked tirelessly for 75 hours, navigating narrow passages and overcoming numerous obstacles to bring Piana to safety. They had to use small explosive charges to clear some obstructions along the route. Throughout this harrowing process, Piana received continuous medical attention, with six doctors and eight nurses monitoring her condition. In a moment of candidness during the operation, Piana expressed her reluctance to ever return to the cave. The rescue efforts highlighted the risks involved in caving and the solidarity of volunteers dedicated to ensuring safety in adventure pursuits.
