A picture taken from a terrace shows the city of Naples and the Vesuvius volcano on January 9, 2016 in Naples. AFP PHOTO / GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP PHOTO / GABRIEL BOUYS

A 23-year-old tourist almost fell into the crater of the famous volcano Mount Vesuvius near the Italian city of Naples over the weekend. The American wanted to go on a hike with his family in a cordoned-off area near the volcano on Saturday.

As local media reported on Monday, the man slipped into the crater after trying to save his fallen smartphone. The cell phone slipped from the man’s hand when he wanted to take a selfie with the force of nature in the background.

Local tourist guides eventually rescued the American by abseiling down the crater rim and bringing him back to his family. A rescue helicopter then took the 23-year-old to a hospital, where he was treated for minor abrasions on his arms and back.

The entire family now has to prepare for a lawsuit because of illegal land transfer. According to the Guardian, the group had not even purchased tickets for the Vesuvius region and accordingly chose a route that is normally off-limits to visitors. The signs were clearly visible.