Italian couple rescued after six days lost in the Dolomites

Davide Cesaroni (41) and Chiara Pesaresi (38) from Osimo set out on a July 1 hike in the Dolomites. Within hours they lost their way on a disused alpine trail near Col Cadorin, between the provinces of Pordenone and Belluno, at about 1,700 m altitude. With no mobile signal and exhausted batteries, they were unable to call for help.

For six days the couple survived by drinking their own urine, building a makeshift igloo‑like shelter from pine branches, and later finding a stream for water and foraging for berries. On the fourth day they heard a helicopter but dense foliage hid them from view. On the sixth day Davide moved toward the sound of the rotors, was spotted by rescuers, and both were airlifted to Rifugio Pordenone and then to Cimolais for medical checks. They suffered no serious injuries.

The rescue involved mountain service crews, firefighters, and four helicopters, concluding a large search operation that drew nationwide attention in Italy.