A complex overnight rescue operation concluded after twelve hours at 2,800 meters on Cortina d’Ampezzo’s Tofana di Rozes peak, where three Milanese climbers (aged 29, 40, and 56) were stranded just 8-9 pitches from completing the Costantini-Apollonio via ferrata.
The trio became trapped at the 15th pitch—the route’s final challenging section through chimneys—when the lead climber fell without injury. The fall compromised their anchor point, forcing them to secure themselves to the rockface with spring-loaded cams (“friends”) and alert rescuers.
Facing deteriorating weather and the climbers’ precarious position, Pieve di Cadore’s SUEM mountain rescue service helicopter “Falco” attempted an immediate aerial extraction. Overhanging cliffs and dense clouds thwarted the effort.
Falco then transported two Cortina Alpine Rescue technicians to the Spigolo del Pilastro ledge, positioning them as close as possible vertically to the stranded party. By 9:00 PM, three additional technicians—including a Finance Guard rescuer—were airlifted to the site. They rigged ropes for an 80-meter descent, enabling the lowest rescuer to reach the lead climber, secure him, and oversee the ascent of all three.
A Trento helicopter arriving near midnight attempted winch-assisted rescue but aborted due to darkness. A second attempt at 3:00 AM failed when thunderstorms struck Trento. Finally, at 4:30 AM amid rainfall, rescuers and climbers exited the route. They reached base camp and were transported via jeep to Rifugio Dibona by 6:30 AM.
Riproduzione riservata © Copyright ANSA