1972 Andes Plane Crash Survivors: Current Status

The Tragedy and Survival

Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 crashed October 13, 1972, in the Andes. 45 aboard (rugby team, family, crew). 72 days later, 16 rescued (Dec 23, 1972). Two died post-rescue → 14 long-term survivors.

Survivor Status (as of 2024)

Of the 14 confirmed long-term survivors:

• All 14 were alive as of February 2021 (per Roberto Canessa's 65th birthday gathering).
• As of 2024: Most remain alive (now 70s-80s). Public figures: Roberto Canessa (cardiologist), Nando Parrado (author, speaker), Carlos Páez (businessman), Eduardo Strauch (architect), Roy Harley, José Luis "Coche" Inciarte.
• No confirmed deaths among the 14 have been widely reported since 2021.

Key Survivors' Paths

• Nando Parrado & Roberto Canessa: 10-day trek out — found help. Authors (Miracle in the Andes, I Had to Survive).
• Group bond: Annual reunions, "Society of the Snow" (Netflix 2023), documentaries.
• Advocacy: Organ donation, resilience speaking, medical ethics.

Cultural Impact

Alive (Piers Paul Read, 1974), Alive (1993 film), Society of the Snow (2023, Bayona). The cannibalism decision (consuming deceased teammates) remains central to survival ethics discussions.