The bodies of two Italian climbers were discovered on the Gran Sasso massif in Abruzzo. They went missing five days ago during an excursion, rescuers reported on Friday.
Rescue teams, aided by a helicopter, managed to reach the remote location despite severe weather conditions. The area, a treacherous mix of rocks and snow, posed significant challenges, with strong winds, sub-zero temperatures, and a high risk of avalanches hampering efforts.
The two climbers, identified as Cristian Gualdi, 41, and Luca Perazzini, 48, from Sant’Arcangelo di Romagna, had set out on Sunday to climb the Gran Sasso. At an altitude of approximately 2,500 metres, the pair reportedly slipped into a ravine and lost visual contact with one another.
Despite the perilous circumstances, the men managed to make an emergency call. According to reports, they were about 20 metres apart and could hear each other. However, deteriorating weather conditions delayed rescue operations.
Rescuers faced a violent storm, with wind gusts exceeding 100 km/h and heavy snowfall. They had to endure two nights in a shelter at an altitude of 2,100 metres before conditions allowed them to resume the search.
The climbers’ mobile phones were located remotely, but attempts to contact them were unsuccessful. Tragically, when the rescue team reached the ravine, both men had already succumbed to the harsh environment.
The Gran Sasso massif, known for its challenging terrain and unpredictable weather, has claimed several lives over the years. Local authorities have urged climbers to exercise extreme caution and monitor weather forecasts carefully before embarking on such expeditions.
