Alpine Rescue Operations on Cima Ovest and Gran Sasso Highlight Mountain Safety

Two separate mountain incidents have highlighted the importance of alpine safety and rescue coordination. Overnight, an alpinist became stuck on the West Peak of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo after running into difficulties during ascent and descent via the normal route. He alerted emergency services and was recovered by an emergency helicopter without injuries. In a second episode during a severe summer storm on Gran Sasso, five hikers at about 2,600 meters called 112, then moved to an area without phone coverage, preventing further contact; Alpine Rescue reached them on foot and found them in good condition inside their tents, and they declined to be escorted downhill.

In comments following the interventions, CAI general president Antonio Montani stressed the role of training, guided support, and insurance coverage provided by CAI membership. Maurizio Dellantonio, president of the National Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps, said that Alpine Rescue does not charge people who are rescued, with any shared costs governed by regional or provincial rules. Both statements reiterated the need to plan trips, call 112 in case of difficulty, and stay reachable to speed up rescue operations.
Italian Version