(posted 7773 days ago)900-mile txt saves ski Brit
A SKIER trapped on an Italian mountain was saved after he sent a desperate text message to his mum’s mobile — 900 miles away back in England.The SOS from Alexander Smith, 35 — lost and shaken after plunging from a ledge at 5,000ft — read: “I’m in difficulty. Quick call police.”
The building firm boss gave the name of the resort where wife Patul, 35, was waiting for him — Arabba in the Italian Dolomites.
Frantic mum Carol, who was in Derbyshire visiting relatives, immediately phoned international directory inquiries. Amazingly the operator had recently been to the same area. He gave her the number of the local nick.
After more than six hours in temperatures of minus 10°C, Alexander was found by rescuers unhurt.
The building firm boss, of Kennington, South London, said yesterday: “I was in a bad reception area so I couldn’t receive calls on my mobile.
“But I was able to send text messages. I’m just so glad my mum acted quickly.”
Relieved Carol, of Gerrards Cross, Bucks, said: “I didn’t even know he had gone skiing.”
Police captain Federico Quintani said: “It was a very unusual rescue.”