Helicopter Rescue Saves Hiker Trapped Inside Mount Etna Ice Cave

Firefighters carried out a rescue operation on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, to assist a hiker in difficulty inside the Grotta del Gelo at an altitude of more than 2,000 meters in the territory of Linguaglossa.

The man was reached by the helicopter rescue crew aboard the Drago VF146 aircraft. Rescue personnel secured him before carrying out a winch operation to lower and raise him into the helicopter.

After the recovery, the hiker was transported to Cannizzaro Hospital in Catania, where he was placed in the care of medical staff.

The rescue took place inside the Grotta del Gelo, located high above sea level in the mountainous area of Linguaglossa.