Ostiglia: Missing 8-year-old boy found alive in the Po River

An 8-year-old boy with autism who went missing from his home in Ostiglia, Mantova, has been found alive in the Po River. The disappearance triggered an intensive Search and Rescue (SAR) operation involving multiple provinces.

The child vanished from his residence on the evening of August 13, 2026. In response, the Prefecture of Mantova activated a large-scale response including the Vigili del Fuoco, Carabinieri, and specialized units from Pavia, Reggio Emilia, and Bologna. The operation utilized drones, topographic mapping software, canine units, and river rescue teams.

The boy was located the following morning by a Vigili del Fuoco helicopter, “DRAGO 160,” which spotted him in the waters of the Po River. A rescue specialist was lowered from the helicopter to retrieve him. He was immediately placed under medical care and reunited with his family.