Stranded British mountaineer faces hefty fine for $16,000 due to rescue operation in the Italian Dolomites
British Hiker Faces High Rescue Costs in Italian Dolomites
A UK citizen has been charged approximately €14,225 ($16,400 or £12,200) for a rescue operation in the Italian Dolomites, after ignoring safety signs and crossing warning barriers on a treacherous hiking route. This high cost is a result of Brexit, as UK nationals no longer benefit from the same rescue cost waivers or reductions that EU citizens do.
The rescue operation, which involved two helicopters and specialized rescue personnel, took place on the Ferrata Berti route near San Vito di Cadore. The hiker ignored multiple clear warning signs and physical barriers indicating trail closures due to hazardous conditions like falling rocks and landslides. The operation, which lasted around 93 minutes, was complicated by worsening weather conditions.
In contrast, EU citizens rescued in the same area typically face much smaller or no charges. For example, two Belgian hikers rescued in the Dolomites shortly before the British man faced a significantly lower bill. The rescue costs can include helicopter operation fees, specialized rescuers, support staff, and administrative charges.
This distinction arises directly from Italy's rescue cost policies and differing arrangements for EU and non-EU nationals post-Brexit. The British hiker's bill includes about €11,160 for helicopter operation fees alone.
The hiker's disregard for safety signs and barriers has led to a heated debate, with some arguing that the high cost serves as a deterrent for future negligence. Others, however, question the fairness of the charges, particularly given the rising number of rescue calls in the area.
This season, more than 80 people have died hiking the Italian Alps and Dolomites, and five people remain unaccounted for. Local authorities are urging people to be prepared if they travel to the area to climb, warning of dangerous and deadly conditions caused by unpredicted storms, flash flooding, and blizzard-like conditions. Some of the recently rescued people have been hospitalized for hypothermia.
Giuseppe Dal Ben, the commissioner of the Ulss 1 health authority in the Dolomites, has warned that helicopters should not be used as taxis to avoid endangering both rescuers and those in need of assistance. He emphasized the importance of respecting safety signs and heeding warnings, especially in light of the increasing number of rescue calls, which have risen by 20% compared to last year.
The United Kingdom left the EU in 2020, and this case serves as a reminder of the consequences of that decision, particularly in terms of travel and safety. It is advised that all hikers, regardless of their nationality, exercise caution and respect local safety guidelines when venturing into the mountains.
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- Despite the potential risks and costs, the British hiker disregarded safety signs and barriers, electing to cross a treacherous hiking route known as the Ferrata Berti.
- In contrast to the hefty charges faced by the British hiker, EU citizens rescued in the same area typically face much smaller or no charges.
