Sardinia cave rescue: Speleologist saved after 26-hour ordeal

A 31-year-old speleologist, Luca Olmetto, has been successfully rescued after being trapped for approximately 26 to 27 hours in the Gorropeddu cave near Urzulei, Sardinia. The incident occurred on Sunday, October 11, when a rockfall and landslide blocked the cave entrance, leaving Olmetto trapped roughly ten meters below the surface.

The rescue operation was a massive, multi-agency effort involving approximately 80 specialists, including the Vigili del Fuoco (Firefighters), the National Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps (CNSAS), and Civil Protection units. The complexity of the mission was heightened by the unstable nature of the rocks and the large amount of debris obstructing the narrow passage, requiring rescuers to clear the material by hand to avoid further collapses.

Olmetto, who was exploring the cave with a companion who managed to escape the landslide, remained conscious and responsive throughout the ordeal. Following his extraction on Monday evening, he was stabilized by medical personnel on-site before being airlifted by helicopter to a hospital for further treatment.