Speleologist Rescued Alive After 27 Hours Trapped in Sardinian Cave

An Italian speleologist, Luca Olmetto, 31, was rescued alive from the Gorropeddu cave on the island of Sardinia after being trapped for nearly 27 hours by a rockslide. Olmetto was exploring the cave with his girlfriend on October 11 when the collapse occurred, completely blocking the entrance.

His partner, who was behind him and able to escape, alerted authorities. A rescue operation involving approximately 100 personnel, including members of the Sardinian Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps and firefighters, was launched.

Rescuers worked carefully through the night and into the following evening to remove the debris by hand, fearing further rock movement could cause another slide. They reached Olmetto on October 12, shortly before 6 p.m., finding him conscious and trapped more than 32 feet below ground.

"He held on until the end," said Salvatore Corrao, commander of the Nuoro fire department. "He was great. He encouraged us," added Manuela Mulargia of the National Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps.

Following his rescue, Olmetto was transported by helicopter to a hospital and placed in intensive care. According to a statement from the Barbagia Local Health Authority, he sustained severe blunt trauma and a crushing injury to a lower limb, but no fractures. The town of Codrongianos, Olmetto's home, expressed relief and gratitude on its Facebook page, thanking the rescuers for their tireless efforts.