Chile: Three Rescued After Six Nights Trapped in the Mountains Could Face Rescue Costs

A man and two kindergarten teachers were rescued after spending six nights isolated in the Cajón del Maipo, Chile, following a severe snowstorm. As they recover from the dramatic episode, the government is considering requiring them to pay for the rescue operation that located them.

Manuel Orellana, known as "el Chino", traveled early in the morning to the Cajón del Maipo, accompanied by Martina Micaela Núñez Hermosilla, 22, and Magdalena María Retamal Pelz, 31, two teachers from the kindergarten attended by his son. The three were cut off from communication for six nights due to an intense snowstorm and were finally rescued alive on Wednesday, July 22.

According to La Tercera, the group had previously been at the Terrazielo nightclub in Peñalolén. However, after staying for about 30 minutes, they decided to change their plans and head towards Baños Morales, with the final destination being the Termas del Valle de Colina.

The route covered about 115 kilometers, equivalent to a two-and-a-half to three-hour drive. Nevertheless, they embarked on the journey despite a warning for heavy snowfall, the G-25 Route had been closed as a precaution, and the vehicle they were traveling in was not 4x4, which further complicated their progress.

When the car could no longer continue, the three descended and walked for about ten minutes until they reached the thermal refuge.

The complex was empty because its owner, Nano Covarrubias, had ordered the evacuation due to the storm. However, he decided to leave the doors open so that anyone trapped could take shelter.

That decision was crucial. Inside, they found food, beds, warm clothing, and firewood, resources that allowed them to survive for almost a week. They cooked, lit a fire to combat the low temperatures, and remained sheltered while the snow prevented any attempts to leave.

Meanwhile, their families reported them missing, and the Chilean Investigative Police (PDI) launched a large operation to reconstruct their movements. Investigators analyzed security cameras, license plate readers, and gathered testimony from a person who claimed to have seen the group heading towards Baños Morales, confirming that the two women were in good condition.

With an improvement in weather conditions, a Carabineros helicopter took off from the Tobalaba aerodrome along with members of the Special Police Operations Group (GOPE) to survey the area. Upon noticing the aircraft, Orellana exited the refuge and began waving his arms. The pilot managed to land, and the rescue team evacuated the man first and then returned for the two teachers.

The three were taken to San Gabriel, where they received medical checks. Initial examinations determined that they were in good health, although they showed significant emotional distress after being isolated for six days.

After the rescue, a video showing the interior of the refuge where they managed to survive was also shared on social media.

Following the evacuation, sub-prefect Tatiana García-Huidobro, head of the Metropolitan People Location Brigade of the PDI, revealed that the three admitted to the mistake of embarking on the trip. "Today they feel regret; they said they should never have gone up, that it was a bad decision," she stated.

However, the consequences could go beyond the scare. According to El Mostrador, the Metropolitan Presidential Delegation consulted the State Defense Council (CDE) to determine if it is possible to recover the public resources used during the search and rescue.

The operation mobilized a helicopter, GOPE Carabineros personnel, Army personnel, firefighters, members of the Emergency Medical Care Service (SAMU), and municipal officials, so Chilean authorities are analyzing whether it is appropriate to charge them for the cost of an intervention that required a significant amount of state resources.

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