Alaska Glacier Recovery Efforts Suspended; Researcher’s Body May Remain Lost Indefinitely
ANCHORAGE, AK – Recovery efforts for Italian researcher Riccardo Pozzobon, who fell into a glacier crevasse in Alaska earlier this month, have been suspended, officials confirmed today. Authorities state the extreme and unpredictable nature of the glacier-characterized by depths ranging from 20 to 150 meters and a complex network of fractures and underground rivers-makes locating the body increasingly unlikely.
The suspension of the search leaves the Pozzobon family facing the agonizing possibility that their son’s remains may never be recovered. The decision was made after careful consideration of the risks to recovery teams, as further attempts could jeopardize other lives. “they explained to me that there are many hypotheses,” an official stated. “It could re-emerge in ten years if the glacier portrays, it might very well be moved and made to re-emerge from some underground river. Impossible to have certainties.”
According to officials, the glacier’s internal structure presents significant challenges. it is not a solid mass, but rather a “very composed mass” of fractures and waterways, making predicting the body’s potential movement impossible. The case is now classified as a missing person, and a detailed report from Alaska authorities will be sent to Italy, via the Farnesina and the Italian Embassy in Washington, to be shared with the family.
The Pozzobon family has been informed of the situation and expressed gratitude for the assistance provided. “The parents are upset,they also struggled to speak and is understandable,” an official said.”I put myself in their shoes, I am a father too.” The file will remain open pending any future developments.