In summer 2025, five climbers were rescued from the Cresta degli Angeli on Monte Altissimo (Massa-Carrara, Tuscany) after a sudden rockfall left them stranded on the cliff face. One climber, injured by falling debris, was airlifted to Cisanello Hospital by the Pegaso 3 AW139 air ambulance helicopter, while the others were recovered during a demanding, hours-long mission.

The operation pushed both technical skill and teamwork to the limit. An air rescue technician was lowered onto the wall to stabilise the injured climber before bringing down the physician and stretcher. The patient was winched directly from the exposed cliff, while the remaining climbers were extracted through suspension manoeuvres and rope-cutting techniques. The mission was further complicated by fragile rock, steep terrain, and the helicopter’s close proximity to the wall. A standby team of Alpine Rescue technicians provided ground support.

“Rescues like this are part of our daily work,” reflected former Massa Base Manager Captain Bartolomeo Ferreri, “but this mission stood out for the exceptional execution of advanced manoeuvres normally reserved for training — stretcher placement and recovery on the wall, suspension extractions, and rope cutting.”

Avincis Captain Enrico Bernabei, CoPilot Erica Maviglia and Line Technician, Marco Cesone, supported by a specialised medical and technical crew, demonstrated outstanding professionalism and discipline throughout. Their performance underscored how years of dedicated training at the Massa base continue to translate into effective, life-saving action.