What Happened to the Survivors of the Andes Plane Crash? Where Are the Andes Plane Crash Survivors Now?
by S Samayanka | Updated Jan 18, 2024
Andes Plane Crash
The Andes Plane Crash of 1972 involved Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571, a Fairchild FH-227D, en route from Montevideo to Santiago. Piloted by Lieutenant-Colonel Dante Héctor Lagurara, the plane mistakenly overflew the turning point, leading to a descent towards Santiago. Striking a mountain ridge, the aircraft sheared off wings and tail before sliding down a glacier. The tragedy claimed immediate lives, and subsequent fatalities occurred due to the harsh environment. The survivors, including members of the Old Christians Club rugby team, endured extreme hardships, resorting to cannibalism for sustenance.
Over 72 days, they battled exposure, starvation, and avalanches. Notably, two survivors, Nando Parrado and Roberto Canessa, embarked on a perilous 10-day trek to Chile for help. Their rescue, on December 23, 1972, marked the end of an extraordinary survival saga. The crash was attributed to controlled flight into terrain due to pilot error. The fuselage came to rest in a remote glacier, testifying to the indomitable human spirit amidst the harshest of circumstances.
What Happened to the Survivors of the Andes Plane Crash?
The survivors of the Andes plane crash, which occurred on October 13, 1972, endured a traumatic 72-day ordeal in the freezing Andes mountains after Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 crashed. Out of 45 passengers, 29 lost their lives, leaving 33 survivors initially.
Only 16 ultimately persevered through the harsh conditions, injuries, and an avalanche. Stranded, they resorted to eating the flesh of their deceased peers for sustenance. The survivors' remarkable story inspired the Netflix film "Society of the Snow," based on Pablo Vierci's book. Dr. Roberto Canessa, one of the survivors, shared his memories, recounting the fear of imminent death and the difficult experience of watching the film that accurately depicted the grim details.
Despite the tragedy, Canessa and teammate Nando Parrado hiked to seek help, leading to their rescue on December 22, 1972. Post-rescue, Canessa, now a renowned pediatric cardiologist, reflects on the tragedy as a lesson on overcoming life's challenges and maintaining self-belief.
Where are the Andes Plane Crash Survivors Now?
As of now, 14 out of the 16 survivors of the Andes plane crash are still alive. José Luis “Coche” Inciarte and Javier Methol passed away in 2023 and 2015, respectively, while Sergio Catalan, who encountered survivors after their trek, died in 2020. Several survivors, once private-facing, became authors and motivational speakers.
Dr. Roberto Canessa, now 70, authored "I Had to Survive," and Fernando Parrado, who became a motivational speaker, wrote "Miracle of the Andes." Other survivors like Carlitos Páez and Inciarte shared their experiences through books.
Updates from Pablo Vierci's book reveal diverse paths, with Eduardo Stauch as an architect, Pancho Delgado opening a law firm, Gustavo Zerbino leading the Uruguayan Rugby Federation and working in pharmaceuticals, and Tintín Vizintín becoming the president of the Uruguayan Rugby Union. The survivors' post-tragedy journeys exemplify resilience, success, and diverse contributions.
What Temperatures Did the Survivors of Andes Plane Crash Had to Face?
The survivors of the Andes Plane Crash confronted brutal temperatures in the unforgiving Andes Mountains. Exposed to the elements, they endured outdoor temperatures plummeting to approximately 30 °C below zero. The extreme cold, coupled with the altitude and lack of shelter, created a nightmarish scenario.
The survivors, grappling with corpses, panic, disorientation, and physical pain, faced these conditions for over 72 days. The human body, confronted with such cold, exhibited a remarkable adaptation to preserve vital organs by constricting blood vessels in extremities.
In this life-and-death struggle, they navigated the dual challenges of surviving in the aftermath of a plane crash and combating hypothermia, which induces muscle contractions and tremors. The vivid portrayal of their ordeal in the Netflix series sheds light on the extraordinary resilience required to endure temperatures that could induce unconsciousness and death within minutes.
When Do the Survivors of the Andes Plane Crash Meet Each Year?
The survivors of the Andes Plane Crash, as revealed in the book "Society of the Snow" upon which the Netflix movie is based, come together annually on December 22. This significant date marks the first day of their rescue, becoming a time for a ritual commemoration.
During this heartfelt gathering, the survivors unite with their families, witnessing the growth of the next generation. Many of their children, now aged between 18 and 26, mirror the age they were during the traumatic mountain ordeal.
Dr. Roberto Canessa, a survivor, has created a special meeting place in his house, emphasizing the enduring bond among the group. The survivors' shared experiences, as depicted in the movie "Society of the Snow," continue to forge a powerful connection, fostering applause, embraces, and tears during their annual reunions.
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What Happened to the Survivors of the Andes Plane Crash - FAQs
The crash was caused by controlled flight into terrain due to pilot error.
The survivors faced temperatures around 30 °C below zero by adapting to the cold, constricting blood vessels, and battling hypothermia.
The survivors gather annually on December 22 to commemorate the first day of their rescue, reuniting with families and reflecting on their shared experiences.
As of now, 14 out of the 16 survivors are still alive.
Dr. Roberto Canessa, one of the survivors, became a renowned pediatric cardiologist and authored the book "I Had to Survive," reflecting on the lessons learned from the tragedy.