ROME– A 55-year-old American tourist has died after becoming unwell during an excursion on the southern slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily, Italy’s rescue service said on Friday.
Rescuers said the cause of his illness was still unknown, but warned of the risk of high temperatures combined with humidity, which could be dangerous for tourists who usually do not prepare specifically for such excursions.
After being alerted on Thursday afternoon, the rescue team in the Alps and a trauma helicopter reached the man in a remote area.
Attempts to revive him were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was then taken to the nearest medical facility for transfer to the hospital morgue, rescuers said.
“Tourists taking part in these excursions should not underestimate the risks associated with high temperatures, high humidity and sudden changes in altitude,” said Alfio Ferrara, spokesman for the Alpine rescue service.
“They often agree to join these excursions that reach altitudes of 2,000-2,300 metres (6,500 to 9,800 feet), after spending the day on the beach,” he added.
Temperatures on Etna on Thursday were estimated at between 25 and 28 degrees Celsius (77 to 82 Fahrenheit), Ferrara said. Italian authorities on Thursday issued a red weather alert in seven cities, mainly in the central parts of the country.
The heat is made worse by humidity and can affect both healthy people and those with health problems, they warned.
Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano, has seen a significant increase in activity over the past week.