A British hiker recently faced a steep rescue bill after disregarding warning signs while trekking the Dolomites in north-eastern Italy. The 60-year-old man required helicopter assistance last Friday while navigating the Ferrata Berti trail, which reaches an elevation of 2,500 metres. At the time, numerous trails were closed due to high landslide risk, as confirmed by the Veneto Alpine and Cave Rescue service on social media.
According to Nicola Cherubin, the rescue service chief, the hiker bypassed barriers and ignored a bilingual closure sign that advised trekkers to turn back. He later called for help at 3:30 PM when falling rocks created a dangerous situation. Despite his claims of being unaware of the trail’s closure, Cherubin stated the signs were plainly visible at the beginning of the path.
Due to adverse weather conditions, two helicopters and multiple crew members were required to extract the hiker safely, ascending him 20 metres into the air. Cherubin stressed the man was fortunate to survive the ordeal, but he will be responsible for the costly 93-minute rescue operation and will also face a fine. The total bill amounts to €14,225 (approximately $25,000).
In a similar incident shortly before, two Belgian hikers were rescued under comparable circumstances but will incur a significantly lower bill, reflecting their EU membership. Giuseppe Dal Ben, the commissioner for the Ulss 1 health authority in the Dolomites, urged tourists to treat the mountains with vigilance and respect. He remarked on the importance of keeping helicopter resources available for genuine emergencies, as misusing them can put both rescuers and those in true need at risk.