Man rescued from cave on Sardinia after being trapped by rockslide for 26 hours

Luca Olmetto was trapped roughly 10 metres below ground in the Gorroppeddu cave in the Urzulei mountain range

A 31-year-old man has been pulled alive from a cave on the Italian island of Sardinia after being trapped roughly 10 metres below ground for 26 hours following a rockslide.

He had been exploring the cave with his girlfriend, who was a few metres behind him and narrowly missed the collapse, which completely blocked the entrance to the cave. She managed to escape unharmed and immediately raised the alarm.

About 48 experts from Sardinia’s Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps and 30 firefighters, as well as civil protection staff, were involved in the rescue operation. A helicopter also provided materials and equipment needed to make the site secure.

“We are closely monitoring the situation and are hoping for good news soon,” the council said. “Our thoughts are with Luca and his family, and we extend our deepest gratitude to all the rescuers working tirelessly to bring him to safety. Hang in there, Luca – all of Codrongianos is with you.”

In a similar incident in December 2024, another explorer, Ottavia Piana, 32, became trapped while exploring a cave in the Bueno Fonteno caves close to Bergamo in northern Italy. She remained underground at roughly 600 metres for 75 hours before being freed. Piana suffered injuries including fractured vertebrae, ribs and facial bones. Her high profile rescue involved 160 specialists.