Stranded British Mountaineer Faces Financial Penalty of $16,000 after Rescue in Italian Dolomites
British Hiker Faces High Rescue Costs in Italian Dolomites
A British hiker was airlifted to safety in the Italian Dolomites, but at a significant cost. The rescue operation, which involved two helicopters and over a dozen specialized rescuers, cost around €14,225 (approximately $16,400) for non-EU citizens, as shown by the example of this hiker who ignored closure signs and required a helicopter rescue.
In contrast, EU citizens pay significantly less for similar rescue operations, often just a few hundred Euros, due to EU agreements that provide reduced or no-cost access to rescue services for member states' nationals. This large cost difference stems from membership in the European Union: non-EU nationals like British citizens post-Brexit must bear full costs of rescue without the EU protection of reduced charges, whereas EU citizens benefit from agreements that lighten the financial burden during mountain rescues in Italy.
The hiker, who was found in the center of a landslide at an altitude of 2,400 meters (nearly 7,900 feet), ignored signs and warning barriers that clearly stated "closed" in English, Italian, and German. Other hikers at the signposts urged the British hiker to turn around and head back, but the hiker continued on the treacherous route.
The extreme weather conditions in the European Alps this year are causing dangerous and deadly conditions, including landslides, flash flooding, and blizzard-like conditions. These conditions have led to an increase in rescue calls by 20% compared to last year, and some treacherous routes around Cortina and San Vito di Cadore have been closed due to the increase in rescue calls.
Sadly, more than 80 people have died hiking in the Italian Alps and Dolomites this season, and five people are still missing from the same hiking season. Local authorities are warning people to be prepared if they travel to the area to climb, as the dangerous conditions can quickly turn deadly.
Giuseppe Dal Ben, the commissioner of the Ulss 1 health authority in the Dolomites, warned that helicopters should not be used as taxis, endangering both the rescuers and those who need assistance. He emphasized the importance of following safety guidelines and respecting the closure signs to ensure a safe and enjoyable hiking experience.
[1] La Repubblica [2] The Local [3] BBC News [4] The Guardian [5] ANSA
If the British hiker had been an EU citizen, they might have avoided the €14,225 cost of the rescue operation due to reduced or no-cost access to rescue services as a result of EU agreements. To ensure a safe and enjoyable sports activity like travel hiking, it's crucial to always heed safety guidelines and respect closure signs.
