An American tourist was rescued after falling into the crater of Mount Vesuvius in Italy

Seeing a volcano up close is one of the most incredible experiences in the world, but it can also be dangerous if done incorrectly.

A 23-year-old American tourist was rescued last week after falling into the crater of Mount Vesuvius in Italy, which famously erupted in 79 A.D. and incinerated the nearby town of Pompeii. According to Paolo Cappelli, the head of the Confesercenti tourism group for Vesuvius, the man was climbing on unauthorized paths because he allegedly did not have an entrance ticket.

According to Cappelli, the tourist was rescued last Saturday after a service team of volcanological guides spotted him “in serious trouble.” The guide was then lowered on a rope “about 15 meters” to secure the inexperienced tourist.

“The boy was brought to safety by our guides, who then provided him with…treatment because he had multiple bruises on his legs, arms, and back,” Cappelli explained, adding that police were later called.

“The life of a volcanological guide is not easy: they are always on the crater to ensure the safety of tourists, so recognizing the promptness and professionalism shown on this occasion seemed like the right thing to do,” Cappelli explained. “Having spoken directly with the rescuers, I can confidently state that they saved a human life on Vesuvius last Saturday.”

Hiking near active volcanoes can be even more dangerous, as evidenced by the 2019 eruption of the White Island volcano in New Zealand, which killed more than a dozen people.

However, there are precautions travelers can take to explore volcanoes safely. According to the National Park Service, hikers should use open trails and roads and stay on marked paths, as well as avoid cliffs, cracks, and steam vents, which may collapse or be slippery (NPS). Additionally, because “hiking on lava rock can be hazardous due to uneven, unstable, and sharp hiking surfaces,” visitors should wear sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and sturdy, closed-toe shoes.

“Avoid closed areas,” the NPS advised. “Visitors in restricted areas endanger visitor resource protection staff.”

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