He Was Warned Not to Go... British Hiker Faces 22 Million Won Bill for Helicopter Rescue

Rescued British Hiker Billed 14,225 Euros for Rescue
Ignored Warning Signs and Entered Restricted Area Before Becoming Stranded

A British hiker in his 60s who was rescued in the Dolomites in Italy has been billed 14,225 euros, equivalent to about 20 million Korean won, for the cost of his rescue.

The Dolomites mountain range. Pixabay

According to reports from CNN and other foreign media on August 5 (local time), the man is said to have ignored warning signs and a barrier fence, entered a dangerous area without permission, and then called for rescue after getting stranded. Two rescue helicopters and more than 12 rescue personnel were deployed to save him, and the entire rescue cost of 14,225 euros (about 22 million won) must be paid by the man himself. A week earlier, two Belgian hikers rescued in the same area were charged much less because they are EU citizens, but the United Kingdom, having left the EU in 2020, is excluded from such benefits.

According to the Italian mountain and animal rescue service CNSAS, the area has been experiencing landslides, sudden snowstorms, and heavy rain due to extreme weather conditions caused by climate change. Between June 21 and July 23, 80 hikers died while climbing the Dolomites and the Alps, and five are still missing. Rescue requests have surged by 20% compared to last year, leading to the closure of some dangerous routes.

On July 28 (local time), CNSAS stated on social media that "Warning signs clearly indicated the closure in English, Italian, and German, but the hiker ignored these signs," adding, "He entered the area even though other hikers advised him to turn back." CNSAS further explained that the decision to close more access routes was made "to protect the safety of not only hikers but also rescue workers, helicopter crews, and ground teams."

Giuseppe Dal Ben, director of the local health authority in the Dolomites region, commented on the incident, saying, "What happened this time calls for some reflection," and emphasized, "A helicopter is not a taxi." He added, "Since helicopters are essential equipment for time-sensitive operations in harsh environments, reckless hiking should not put those truly in need at risk."