A British tourist is facing a steep rescue bill after ignoring multiple warning signs while hiking in the Dolomites, a mountain range in northeastern Italy.
The 60-year-old man had to be airlifted by helicopter last Friday while attempting the Ferrata Berti trail, which reaches altitudes of 2,500 metres. The trail was officially closed due to a high risk of landslides, according to the Veneto Alpine and Cave Rescue service.
Nicola Cherubin, head of the rescue unit, told The Guardian that the hiker had bypassed barriers and ignored signs—posted in both English and Italian—advising people not to proceed. The signs were placed at the entrance to the trail.
The man made an emergency call at 3.30pm after rocks began falling around him. “He claimed he didn’t realise the path was closed and hadn’t noticed the signs,” Cherubin said.
Because of worsening weather, the rescue required two helicopters and several crew members to hoist the man 20 metres to safety. Cherubin noted that the hiker was fortunate to escape unharmed but will be held financially responsible for the 93-minute operation.
The rescue will cost the man €14,225 (about $25,000 AUD), including a fine.
Just days earlier, two Belgian hikers were also rescued in the same region under similar circumstances. Their bill will be significantly smaller, as Belgium is part of the European Union.
Giuseppe Dal Ben, commissioner of the local health authority, urged tourists to treat the mountains “with respect and caution.”