Italy reports two separate river rescues of young men after near‑drowning incidents

On 19 June, a 16‑year‑old boy of African origin was pulled from the Adda River near Canonica, Bergamo, after he became trapped among rocks while trying to cool off in the hot weather. A passerby dived in, lifted the teenager to safety and alerted emergency services. He was air‑lifted to Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital in Bergamo and remains in critical condition.

The day before, on 18 June, a 23‑year‑old man fell into the Adige River while attempting a selfie on Verona’s Castelvecchio Bridge. A 30‑year‑old German tourist jumped in to rescue him, and a nearby rafting boat assisted both men. The victim was taken to the hospital in Borgo Trento for treatment.

Both incidents prompted rapid responses from local rescue teams, including ambulance services, fire brigades and police, highlighting the dangers of river immersion and the importance of swift by‑stander assistance.