The man, a 63-year-old entrepreneur from Amsterdam, was on holiday in the Campania region with his wife, a 60-year-old doctor from the same city. They decided to take a walk at the foot of the Trebulani Mountains.
Dutch couple (74 and 75) lost in mountain area Provence: found by helicopter after hours weakened
During the trip they came from the hiking trail and lost their way. When they tried to find the right path, they ended up in a dense terrain full of bushes and spiky plants. At a certain point they were stuck and could no longer free themselves from independently. They then decided to sound the alarm with their smartphone via an emergency number. Due to the GPS coordination on the phone, the police were able to find out their place.
The police of the Municipality of Formicola enabled immediate assistance for the rescue operation, including the fire brigade from the city of Caserta, the Civil Protection (Protezione Civile) and an ambulance of the emergency service. While the care providers came to the place where the Dutch were entangled, the two walkers remained in contact with a police officer who reassured them by telephone.
After the Dutch couple was liberated, the pair received a medical examination on the spot. They did not have to be admitted to the hospital and only had a few scratches. They were thus able to return to their Bed & Breakfast with their own car to continue their vacation in the province of Caserta.
Telephone reach always necessary
It often happens that hikers in mountain area get into trouble. This also regularly applies to Dutch holidaymakers in Italy. It is recommended to always bring your mobile phone with you. It must of course have reach, which was fortunately the case this time.