Salina official honored for rescuing hikers from Pollara cliffs

Elio Benenati, the head of surveillance for the “Le Montagne delle Felci e dei Porri” Nature Reserve, has received a special commendation for rescuing two Russian tourists on Salina. The ceremony took place at Palazzo dei Leoni, where the plaque was presented by the Metropolitan Mayor of Messina, Federico Basile, and the Mayor of Malfa, Giuseppe Siracusano.

The rescue occurred on August 6 at the Pollara cliffs in the Malfa territory. The two hikers were trapped on a steep, unstable section of the cliff face above a ravine, with no way to reach safety independently. Benenati personally intervened by rappelling approximately 30 meters down the wall using a rope secured to a root. Despite the fragile nature of the rock and the lack of secure anchor points, he successfully recovered both individuals separately and brought them safely to the road. Following the intense physical exertion and tension of the operation, Benenati reportedly suffered a brief period of ill health.

The commendation recognizes his “deep sense of duty, courage, and high competence” during the high-risk operation.