Startling scenes unfolded this morning (13 July 2026) in Trieste, Italy, when a car veered off the road and plunged into the sea — trapping its driver inside. The incident occurred around 12:15 p.m. near Piazza Unità d’Italia in Trieste.
Luckily for the driver, several officer cadets from the Accademia Militare (Military Academy) in Modena were in the city as part of an official visit and witnessed the accident. Without hesitation, they jumped into the water to mount a rescue.
They approached the sinking vehicle and managed to free the driver unharmed. After safely bringing him ashore, they handed him over to specialized emergency response teams and medical personnel who rushed to the scene — according to a post by Italy’s Ministry of Defence on X (formerly Twitter).
First aid was administered on-site, and the man was transported to a local hospital. As of now, no official update has been released regarding his health condition. Meanwhile, Italy’s Carabinieri are investigating the exact circumstances that led the vehicle to leave the road and end up in the sea.
Minister of Defence Commends Heroic Act
The courageous intervention drew immediate praise from Italy’s political leadership. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto expressed deep gratitude and pride in the Armed Forces personnel, stating: “Their courage, preparation, and sense of duty make the entire Italian Defence establishment proud. They acted instinctively — placing their own lives at risk to save another human being. This is the most authentic meaning of being a soldier: serving the country and protecting human life, always — even when it’s not required by duty. Thank you.”
According to the Italian Ministry of Defence, this swift and decisive action stands as the most tangible demonstration of the core values instilled at the Military Academy: courage, altruism, and commitment to the broader community — principles that shape future officers of the Italian Army and the Carabinieri.