Rome, February 17 – A dramatic rescue operation unfolded yesterday morning on the Tiber River after a 76-year-old woman was seen jumping into the water from Ponte Sisto. Despite the freezing temperatures and strong currents, the woman remained afloat for 44 minutes, drifting approximately 5 kilometers before being pulled to safety by firefighters.
Dramatic Rescue After Tiber Plunge
The incident began around 9:00 AM when tourists on Tiber Island witnessed the woman, whose identity has not yet been fully released but is known to be from the province of Salerno and a resident of Rome, leap from the bridge. Alarmed, they immediately contacted emergency services.
Police fluvial agents, Carabinieri from the mobile unit and Porta Portese station, along with Ares 118 paramedics and municipal police, quickly responded to the scene. For agonizing minutes, they tracked the woman’s struggle against the powerful current, as she was tossed amidst tree trunks and debris.
Despite the perilous conditions, the woman, who was without identification or personal belongings, was continuously monitored from the riverbanks and by passersby. This constant vigilance proved crucial, enabling a last-minute rescue near the fire station at Via del Porto Fluviale, where firefighters managed to pull her from the water.
Critical Condition at San Camillo Hospital
Upon being brought aboard the rescue dinghy, the woman had lost consciousness and suffered cardiac arrest. Firefighters immediately initiated resuscitation efforts, successfully reviving her. She was then rushed to San Camillo Hospital, where she is currently in critical condition in the intensive care unit. Her son later identified her at the emergency room.
Doctors have sedated and intubated her, and the coming hours are deemed critical in determining her prognosis. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. While the exact reasons for her actions are still unclear, police are not ruling out a suicide attempt, though it is unknown if she suffers from any pre-existing medical conditions.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Concern
The incident has highlighted the dangers of the Tiber River’s strong currents, particularly during this time of year. The rapid response and coordinated efforts of the emergency services were pivotal in saving the woman’s life, preventing what could have been a tragic outcome.
This event follows recent discussions in Rome regarding extreme weather conditions and their impact on the city. Just yesterday, reports emerged of Rome being paralyzed by record rainfall, leading to injuries, fallen trees, and even a fatality due to the bad weather. Additionally, recent sea surges in Fiumicino, at the mouth of the Tiber, caused flooding and the evacuation of 50 families. These events underscore the challenges faced by the city in managing its natural environment and ensuring public safety.
The community awaits further updates on the woman’s condition and the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding her plunge into the Tiber.
