Ottavia Piana, a 32-year-old speleologist trapped since Saturday afternoon after falling into the Bueno Fonteno Abyss in Bergamo, was rescued at 3:15 am today.
The Alpine Rescue, which led the operation, confirmed the news. In the final stretch, rescuers quickened their pace on advice from medical teams, who determined it was crucial to minimise stops. Piana suffered significant injuries, including trauma to her vertebrae and ribs, fractures to facial bones, and a knee injury. She was airlifted to the Papa Giovanni XXIII hospital in Bergamo for further evaluation.
Despite her injuries, Piana remained a source of encouragement to her rescuers. “In the last stretch, she gave us energy,” said Corrado Camerini, Lombardy’s Alpine Rescue delegate.
The operation involved 159 individuals, including members of the Alpine Rescue and firefighters. The challenging rescue was expedited by clearing sections of the cave in advance.
Ottavia’s family gathered in Fonteno as the dramatic rescue unfolded. Speaking about the operation’s success, Camerini remarked, “Our goal is to achieve results. The response from Alpine Rescue is what we expected. Our team is among the most effective in Europe, and this mission has demonstrated that.”
Piana is now in stable condition, with her health under careful observation.
