A night of intense work was experienced by the Sicilian Alpine and Speleological Rescue and by the 82nd Csar of the Air Force. The two departments collaborated in a rescue operation to secure a group of tourists trapped by the devastating flames that hit the Trapani area.
It all started when the Trapani Harbor Master’s Office reported the disappearance of a group of vacationers in the Tonnara del Secco area, in San Vito Lo Capo. The Alpine Rescue technicians, urged by the emergency situation, headed to the military airport of Trapani Birgi, where they were embarked on an HH 139B helicopter of the 82nd Csar.
Once in the intervention area, the helicopters had to face high temperatures and a menacing fire that risked spreading. With great skill, the aircraft flew over the coast until the group of tourists was spotted a few hundred meters from the shore.
Given the dangerousness of the situation, the helicopter landed in a safe clearing, allowing the Alpine Rescue technicians and the Air Force helicopter to reach the group. The tourists were assisted, refreshed and then escorted on foot to the coast, where vehicles from the Captaincy rescued them.
This operation is a prime example of the importance and effectiveness of Alpine Rescue and the coordination capabilities of the Air Force in emergency situations. Their timely and courageous intervention guaranteed the safety and salvation of the tourists trapped by the flames.
An important appeal: in the event of accidents or people missing in mountainous or inaccessible environments, immediately contact the Single Emergency Number (NUE) 112 and specify the need for medical assistance in a mountainous or inaccessible environment. The #NUE112 operator will transfer the distress call to the 118 Operations Centre, which will activate the Alpine and Speleological Rescue (CNSAS) to deal with the emergency. Collaboration between the various rescue departments is essential to ensure the safety of anyone who finds themselves in difficulty in these particularly hostile areas.
