# Mountain rescue operations in Italy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/20260901-mountain-rescue-operations-in-italy
> Updated: 2026-09-01T15:59:52.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Individual mountain rescue incidents have occurred in different Italian regions. In Pollino National Park, Alpine Rescue teams, the 118 ambulance service, and Carabinieri Forestali coordinated to rescue a 61-year-old hiker with an ankle injury in the Pietra Castello area. The operation involved using an off-road vehicle and manual stretcher transport, leading to local calls for better resources such as helicopters equipped with winches.

On the island of Salina, a nature reserve official, Elio Benenati, was honored for a solo rescue of two tourists trapped on the Pollara cliffs. Benenati rappelled 30 meters down a steep, unstable rock face to recover the individuals. He received a formal commendation for his “deep sense of duty, courage, and high competence” during the high-risk operation.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-01: Salina official honored for rescuing hikers from Pollara cliffs

Elio Benenati, a reserve supervisor, received a special commendation for rescuing two hikers trapped on the Pollara cliffs in Salina, Italy, during a high-risk rope operation.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/salina-official-honored-for-rescuing-hikers-from-pollara-cliffs

### 2026-09-01: Alpine Rescue teams rescue injured hiker in Pollino National Park

Alpine Rescue teams in Basilicata rescued a 61-year-old hiker with an ankle injury in Pollino National Park, highlighting the need for helicopter support in the region.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alpine-rescue-teams-rescue-injured-hiker-in-pollino-national-park

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Cite as: Mountain rescue operations in Italy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/20260901-mountain-rescue-operations-in-italy