Italian Authorities Conduct Extensive Search for Minister’s Husband Missing in Lake Near Rome

Italian rescue teams continue an intensive search for Luigi Cavallari, 84, husband of Italy’s Family Minister Eugenia Roccella, who disappeared after entering Lake Vico in the Lazio region on Saturday. Cavallari reportedly entered the lake to cool off amid a severe heatwave but went missing shortly after. He surfaced briefly, reported feeling unwell, but the boat they were on drifted away unmoored, and he was lost in the water. Roccella alerted authorities when he failed to resurface.

The search, ongoing for over three days, involves divers, remotely operated underwater vehicles, sonar systems, drones, and underwater robots. Rescue teams also recreated the boat’s movements to aid the operation. Visibility underwater is extremely poor, complicating efforts. Cavallari is a university professor specializing in architecture and construction engineering and has held several academic leadership roles. He and Roccella have been married since 1976 and recently celebrated their 50th anniversary.

The extensive search efforts have sparked harsh criticism on social media regarding the resources used. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni strongly condemned these comments, calling them "detestable and inhumane." Defense Minister Guido Crosetto also denounced the attacks as disrespectful to human suffering. The search continues amid challenging conditions caused by the heatwave affecting Italy.