The underground ordeal of Ottava Piana, the speleologist trapped since last Saturday in the BuenoFonteno cave in the province of Bergamo, ended today at 2:59 AM. “The rescue operations, which began at midnight on December 15,” the rescuers explained in a statement, “were completed ahead of schedule and involved 159 technicians from the National Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps (CNSAS) from 13 Italian regions. The synergy between the various teams, which alternated throughout the recovery mission, was crucial. The injured woman was continuously monitored and assisted by a total of six doctors and eight nurses from the Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps. Once she exited the cave, the stretcher was transferred by the rescue teams to an area where the Fire Brigade had set up a suitable point for the air ambulance to perform a winch rescue. The woman, handed over to AREU 118’s air ambulance, was then transported to Bergamo Hospital. The rescue operations lasted uninterruptedly for 75 hours. We would like to thank AREU 118, the Bergamo Prefecture, the Fire Brigade, the Carabinieri, the Municipality of Fonteno, and the local Civil Protection for their collaboration and support.”

The speleologist, who appeared very exhausted to the rescuers, was transferred from the stretcher to a special rescue “nest” capable of being hoisted by the helicopter winch, which then transported her to the hospital.