Courage and cannibalism: inside the Andes plane disaster | 7NEWS Spotlight

Summary

In 1972, a plane carrying a rugby team crashes in the Andes, leaving 33 survivors stranded with no food, no water, and no help. Facing extreme cold, starvation, and the grim necessity of cannibalism, the survivors endure unimaginable hardship. Over the course of 72 days, they fight to stay alive, with some making a perilous trek across the mountains to find rescue. This story of survival is a powerful testament to human resilience, loss, and the will to live, culminating in their eventual rescue and the lasting emotional scars of their ordeal.

Takeaways

• 😀 A horrific plane crash in 1972 left 33 survivors stranded in the Andes with no food, water, or help, facing extreme conditions.
• 😀 Despite the crash and subsequent challenges, the survivors’ will to live and camaraderie helped them endure the impossible circumstances.
• 😀 Nando Parado, one of the survivors, lost his mother and sister in the crash and faced the painful decision of eating human flesh to stay alive.
• 😀 The survivors initially had no idea how serious the crash was, and they were unaware of the grave danger they were in until later.
• 😀 The rescue operation was called off after 10 days, leaving the survivors to fend for themselves, with no hope of external help.
• 😀 The survivors' fight for survival involved unimaginable choices, including eating the bodies of the deceased in order to stay alive.
• 😀 Nando Parado’s survival story is remarkable, as he came out of a coma and fought to survive despite his injuries and the harsh environment.
• 😀 The survivors faced avalanches and freezing temperatures, causing even more death and despair. Yet, they pushed forward with an indomitable spirit.
• 😀 On day 72, two survivors, Nando Parado and Roberto Canessa, trekked across the Andes to seek help, eventually finding a farmer who aided them.
• 😀 The discovery of a crash site by a Chilean farmer led to their rescue, but the survivors were left to grapple with the moral and emotional fallout of their decisions.
• 😀 The survivors’ story became a symbol of human resilience, demonstrating the power of survival instincts, leadership, and the importance of community in times of crisis.

Q & A

What was the initial cause of the crash in 1972?

The crash occurred due to a miscalculation by the pilot, who mistakenly thought he had crossed the highest point of the Andes, but was still in Argentina, descending on the wrong side of the mountain range in bad weather.

How did the survivors initially react after the crash?

The survivors were in shock, with many injured or unconscious. There were scenes of death and despair, as some friends died instantly in the crash, while others were left struggling with severe injuries in freezing conditions.

What was the primary challenge the survivors faced while stranded in the Andes?

The primary challenge was the extreme cold, lack of food and water, and the isolation. With no help coming and the search being called off, they had to survive with minimal resources, including only a bottle of rum and two blocks of chocolate.

What led the survivors to resort to cannibalism?

Faced with starvation, the survivors reluctantly turned to cannibalism. After realizing that they had no other source of protein, they began eating the bodies of the deceased passengers to stay alive.

What emotional impact did the act of cannibalism have on the survivors?

While the act of cannibalism was a deeply emotional and moral struggle for the survivors, it became a necessity for survival. Some survivors, like Nando, had a difficult time reconciling with the act, but ultimately had to do it to stay alive.

How did the survivors cope with the ongoing sense of abandonment?

The survivors coped by focusing on survival, enduring harsh conditions, and relying on each other. The knowledge that the search had been called off made their situation even more desperate, but it also galvanized their will to survive.

What significant event occurred on the 18th day after the crash?

On the 18th day, an avalanche hit the wreckage, burying many of the survivors. This was a major setback, and it led to further loss of life. However, it also prompted some survivors to take decisive actions to escape the situation.

What motivated Nando Parado to embark on the perilous journey to find help?

Nando Parado was motivated by the desire to escape the plane and avoid the moral and emotional burden of having to eat the bodies of his mother and sister. His will to survive pushed him to take on the challenging journey across the Andes.

What role did the Chilian farmer play in the survivors' rescue?

A Chilean farmer played a crucial role in the rescue by helping the survivors communicate with the outside world. He provided food and threw a message across a river, which led to the eventual rescue of the remaining survivors.

How did the survivors' experience in the Andes shape their lives after the rescue?

After the rescue, the survivors' lives were profoundly impacted. Many, like Nando Parado and Roberto Canessa, went on to lead fulfilling lives, with Nando becoming a racing car driver and Roberto a heart specialist. Their ordeal made them appreciate life and the simple things more deeply.