A major rescue operation is underway northeast of the Italian city of Bergamo to free Ottavia Piana, a 32-year-old expert cave explorer, who became trapped after sustaining injuries during a fall. The incident unfolded within the Bueno Fonteno cave, where conditions are challenging, with temperatures hovering between 7 to 8 degrees Celsius (44-46 degrees Fahrenheit) and the air heavy with humidity.
Piana was part of a group of 12 adventurers when she fell approximately 5 meters (16 feet) on Saturday evening during what was intended to be an expedition to map uncharted sections of the cave. She suffered multiple injuries, including trauma to her face, ribs, and knee. Despite her precarious situation, rescuers reported she has remained alert and responsive.
The alarm was raised by teammates who had returned to the surface on Saturday, and rescue teams reached Piana late on Sunday night. Since then, the operation has involved about 20 technicians working inside the cave, employing small explosives, drills, and hammers to navigate tight passages and reach her.
“We can’t predict how long it will take, but these operations are always lengthy,” said Mauro Guiducci, the spokesman for the rescue operation. He emphasized the complexity of the task, noting they've encountered bottlenecks requiring careful handling of tools and explosives to widen paths sufficient to allow for the extraction of Piana on a stretcher.
The cave itself, known as the Bueno Fonteno Abyss, is recognized as one of the largest karst cave systems in Lombardy, lying between Lake Iseo and Lake Idro. This location presents both opportunities for discovery and risks, as seen from Piana’s previous adventures; she had fractured her leg after falling in the same area of the cave system last year and was trapped for 48 hours then.
At present, the rescue crew is focused on creating safe and stable conditions for Piana. Medics established a temporary heated base camp nearer to where she is stranded to provide much-needed medical attention. They’ve been supplying oxygen, medicine, and circulating warm air with fans to combat the cold and damp environment.
Despite these hardships, Piana's parents have been reported as “confident” at the campsite. Fellow caver Samuele Pendesini spoke highly of her skills and experience, stating, “She is super competent; she is wonderful.”
Rescue efforts continue to draw attention as teams work feverishly to maintain their pace and provide support. According to local news sources, as the rescue teams press forward, they have yet to breach the narrowest bottleneck, which measures approximately 100 meters and requires significant manpower and resources.
The urgency of the situation is palpable, and with each passing hour, teams are working round-the-clock to complete their mission. The unique nature of geologic formations within the Bueno Fonteno cave system means rescuers must proceed with caution. The cave system is described as being characterized by complex and tortuous passages, making rescue efforts quite labor-intensive.
Through it all, the focus remains on Piana's safety and swift recovery from her injuries, as team members coordinate their efforts both inside the cave and above ground. The entire operation serves as a reminder of the risks involved in cave explorations and the bravery of those committed to rescue efforts.
With patience being key, Piana’s fate hangs on the detailed planning of rescue teams who give their all to navigate the unforgiving conditions of the cave system. Time will tell how the operation will conclude, but the spirit of camaraderie among cavers and rescue teams continues to fuel their drive to bring Piana home safely.
