A couple has been rescued after surviving for six days lost in the Italian Dolomites, subsisting on berries and their own urine. Davide Cesaroni, 41, and his wife Chiara Pesaresi, 38, became lost on July 1 while on a planned circular hike in the popular mountain region.
Initially, they lost their way on the Marini Trail, which winds through a dense forest. After two days without sufficient food and conserving energy, they began drinking their urine to stay hydrated, though they later found a stream with clean water. They also foraged for berries to eat.
Their car was found unattended near a mountain hut, and Mr. Cesaroni's unanswered messages prompted a search by mountain rescue services and firefighters. The couple constructed a shelter from branches and pine trees, describing it as an igloo-like structure to protect them from the elements.
On the fourth day of the search, the couple heard a helicopter but were not spotted. The following day, a rescue team descended to the trail they were meant to be on. On the sixth day, hearing a helicopter again, Mr. Cesaroni decided to move towards the sound. He was spotted by rescuers, who confirmed his identity and brought the couple to safety.