Davide Cesaroni, 41, and Chiara Pesaresi, 38, have been missing since Thursday while trekking in the Friulian Dolomites. The experienced couple last contacted family members on Wednesday night. Search operations involving Alpine Rescue and firefighting teams are currently focused on the technical trails between Rifugio Pordenone and Rifugio Padova.
Why are Davide Cesaroni and Chiara Pesaresi missing?
A family member raised the alarm after the couple failed to return and could not be reached by phone. Authorities have identified that the pair, an experienced hiker duo, intended to complete a two-day trek through the Val d’Arade.
The couple’s last verified contact occurred on Wednesday around 22:30. Since then, their mobile phones have remained unreachable, a situation potentially exacerbated by the poor cellular coverage in the mountain region.
Where was the couple last seen?
Carabinieri located the couple’s vehicle parked near Rifugio Pordenone in Cimolais, which serves as the entrance to their planned route. While the car was found, the couple never arrived at their intended destination, Rifugio Padova, where they had a reservation for Thursday evening.
Local hotels have also reported no sign of the couple’s passage. Their planned itinerary involved traversing CAI trails 352 and 353, a route characterized by significant elevation changes and exposed sections.
How are the rescue teams searching the area?
Rescue coordination is being managed from a base camp established near the Pian Pinedo aviation area in Claut. The operation involves multiple specialized agencies and aircraft:
- The “Drago” helicopter from the fire brigade.
- Civil Protection aircraft from Friuli Venezia Giulia.
- Alpine Rescue technicians from both Valcellina and the province of Belluno.
- Firefighting units from the Pordenone and Belluno commands.
Aerial reconnaissance has already scanned the Alta Valcellina and Val d’Arade areas, though these flights have not yet yielded results. Ground teams are currently searching through channels, scree slopes, and trails on foot.
What happens next in the search operation?
Search efforts are likely to resume at dawn. Authorities may deploy additional ground teams and aerial assets to continue the sweep of the most probable locations.
The focus will remain on the technical sections of the CAI 352 and 353 trails. Rescuers are working under the possibility that the couple may have lost their orientation along one of the secondary tracks.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the last contact with the hikers?
The couple last spoke with family members via telephone on Wednesday at approximately 22:30.
Where is the search being coordinated from?
The operations are being coordinated from a base camp at the Pian Pinedo aviation area in Claut.
What route were they planning to hike?
They intended to follow CAI trails 352 and 353 from Rifugio Pordenone to Rifugio Padova, crossing through the Val d’Arade.
What are the primary challenges for rescue teams operating in high-altitude, low-signal environments?
