Italian Air Force rescues stranded Malayali youth from snow-covered Maiella mountain range

KOCHI: Snow mountain that is 2,400 meters above sea level and shivering in the cold. One Malayali froze at the summit with help an eternity away. This was the harrowing experience of Anoop Kozhikadan, a native of Kalady Kanjoor, before being rescued by the Italian Air Force. The miraculous escape happened on the 4th of this month after Anoop was stuck in the famous Maiella mountain range.

Anoop climbed the Maiella mountain in Abruzzi with an Italian friend. As the snowfall got stronger, the journey turned torturous. The mountain turned dark when only 50 meters were left to reach the summit. It was during this panic that Anoop slipped and fell down the mountain. His friend tried to save him, but Anoop kept going under the snow.

Meanwhile, the friend called the Italian emergency number and asked for help. Soon the Italian Air Force helicopter reached the spot. Albeit the quick move, the officials failed to spot Anoop. Even a second operation yielded no result. It was only after the introduction of the Italian army’s HH 139B helicopter that Anoop was rescued.

Anoop and his family have been living in Italy for years. Anoop works as a chef after completing his hotel management course in Italy. Anoop, an adventure freak is known to indulge in risky events and it was just a few months back that he did paragliding in Dubai.