A complex rescue operation in Sardinia ended with a 31-year-old man being brought out alive after he remained trapped for 26 hours inside a cave. According to reports from Italy, the young man was brought to the surface after a lengthy intervention in difficult conditions and in a narrow space.
The collapse cut off his way out
Luca Olmeto was about 10 meters underground, in the Gorropeddu cave in central-eastern Sardinia, when a landslide completely blocked the entrance.
The incident happened on Sunday, October 11, while the 31-year-old was exploring the cave with his partner. She was several meters behind him and, according to reports, managed to escape the collapse without injury. She then alerted the authorities.
Long operation in difficult conditions
After the alarm was raised, rescue teams began work to remove the rocks and earth that had blocked the narrow passage. The operation continued without interruption, in terrain that made the intervention particularly delicate.
According to the version reported by Italian media, Olmeto remained conscious throughout and was able to communicate with rescuers, which helped in managing the operation.
Brought out alive after 26 hours
After 26 hours of efforts, the caver was pulled from the cave on Monday afternoon, October 12.
According to Rai News, after reaching the surface he was given first aid and was then transported by helicopter to hospital for checks and further treatment.
Confirmation from Italian firefighters
The successful conclusion of the operation was also announced by Italy’s Firefighters Service, which said that after the rescue, the 31-year-old was handed over to medical personnel.
The case once again highlights the danger posed by interventions in such environments, where even a partial collapse can completely block the exit and significantly complicate the response of emergency teams.
Spending more than a day underground and the cave’s cramped conditions turned the operation into a complicated intervention, but the 31-year-old was brought out alive.
The incident ended without fatal consequences, after an operation that lasted more than a day in one of the most difficult areas for intervention in Sardinia.