Lago di Vico. Photo: Shutterstock Italy is closely monitoring the search operation for Luigi Cavallari, 84, husband of Eugenia Roccella, Minister of Family, Birth and Equal Opportunities in the Italian government, who disappeared in the waters of Lake Vico in the Lazio region.
The couple were reportedly on a boat on the lake, which is about an hour and a half drive north of Rome and is considered one of the area's most prominent natural sites. During the cruise, Cavallari entered the water, apparently to cool off amid the heat wave that has been hitting Italy in recent days.
According to the authorities' initial reconstruction, shortly after entering the water he had difficulty staying above the surface, and within a short time he disappeared. It was Minister Rocella who called the rescue forces.
Since then, a large-scale search operation has been underway in the area, involving fire crews, diving units, the Carabinieri, and other emergency services. The search used advanced technological means, including sonar systems, underwater robots, and equipment to scan the lake bottom.
The rescue operations are being carried out in complex conditions, including muddy bottoms, dense underwater vegetation, and limited visibility underwater. Weather conditions in the area have also slowed the pace of the search at times.
The event is receiving extensive coverage in Italy, both due to the minister's public standing and the scope of the search operation.
As of now, authorities have not yet reported a breakthrough, and the search for Cavallari continues.