A 28-year-old Ecuadorian man resident in the Milan hinterland drowned in the Adda River on Sunday afternoon while attempting to cross from Medolago to Porto d’Adda, a fraction of Cornate in Monza Brianza, according to fire department officials. Search operations conducted by Monza firefighters, supported by specialized units, concluded without locating the body on Monday, with efforts set to resume Tuesday.
The search began with an aerial sweep by a fire department helicopter departing from Malpensa Airport, which scanned the river downstream of Medolago Beach—where the man and a companion had jumped into the water. The companion survived, according to officials. The helicopter returned to base around midday without findings, prompting the deployment of drone specialists from Pavia’s Sapr unit to inspect wooded riverbanks inaccessible from the air.
Fluvial teams inspected the Monza side of the river by inflatable raft, while Milan’s Saf unit’s divers searched the Bergamo side, focusing on islands to rule out the possibility of the man’s body becoming lodged beneath rocks. The Carabinieri of Vimercate also participated in the operation, which ended Monday evening as daylight faded.
Why It Matters
The multi-agency response highlights the complexity of river rescues, particularly in areas with shifting currents and natural obstacles. The use of drones and specialized diving units underscores the technical challenges of searching for missing persons in dynamic water environments. Similar operations in northern Italy have historically faced delays due to weather and terrain, according to regional emergency protocols.
What May Happen Next
Search teams are likely to continue operations under daylight conditions, with a focus on narrowing areas of interest based on prior scans. Officials may adjust strategies if new data emerges about the man’s movement or environmental factors affecting the river’s flow. No further updates on potential changes to the search plan have been announced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the man originate from? The 28-year-old was Ecuadorian but lived in the Milan hinterland.
Which agencies were involved in the search? Monza firefighters coordinated with Pavia’s Sapr unit, Lecco’s Tas team, Milan’s Saf unit, and local fluvial groups, with support from the Carabinieri of Vimercate.
When will the search resume? Operations are scheduled to continue Tuesday under daylight conditions.
What factors might influence the outcome of the search?
