A British hiker was rescued in Italy's Dolomites after ignoring closed path warnings due to rockslide risks. He encountered a rockfall and called emergency services for help. Despite his survival, he was subsequently billed 14,000 for the helicopter rescue, a high fee attributed to his non-EU nationality and lack of insurance. Italian rescue officials clarified that individuals from other countries face higher costs unless they're from the EU and have insurance. Charges apply even for rescues involving individuals who are not injured but require assistance.
"He said he hadn't seen the signs warning of the danger," Nicola Cherubin, head of the Italian Alpine Rescue Service, indicated on the hiker's situation. "Rockfalls have been occurring continuously in this area for two months. With these landslides, safety is compromised. He was very scared," he added.
Italian authorities billed the Briton 14,000 to cover the cost of the helicopter rescue. The reason the bill was so high was due to the man's nationality, according to Italian rescue officials.
"If you come from a third country (non-EU country) and don't have insurance, you will have to pay more," stated a spokesperson for the national rescue services.
"If someone calls us because they're tired or stuck because they're somewhere they shouldn't be, or if they're unharmed and have no health problems, they'll have to pay," the spokesperson explained.
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