MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay – In 1972, the world was shocked by the news of a Uruguayan plane en route to Chile that crashed in the Andes Mountains, carrying five crew members and 40 passengers. Seventy-two days passed before the passengers were rescued, and only 16 survived the harsh conditions, including extreme weather, disease, thirst, and hunger. The survivors had resorted to eating the bodies of the deceased in order to endure the ordeal.
One of the survivors, Gustavo Zerbino, described the experience as a rich one from which they learned a lot through pain. He expressed gratitude and stated that he never woke up regretting anything, emphasizing the resilience they displayed. When the 16 survivors returned home, they received a telegram from the Pope at the time, Paul VI, emphasizing the value of life and the importance of seeking support from others in the face of adversity.
Gustavo Zerbino recounted experiencing the presence of God in the mountain range and how the group prayed daily to the Virgin Mary for strength. He emphasized the role of faith in their survival and the profound impact their experience had on their beliefs. The story of Zerbino and the other survivors is one of friendship, and to this day, a cross stands atop the mountain to honor those who perished.
As the 50th anniversary of the crash approached, Pope Francis acknowledged the strength of the survivors and emphasized the significance of mutual support. The survivors’ experience serves as a reminder of the human capacity for resilience and the importance of leaning on others during times of hardship. The story continues to inspire and serves as a testament to the unbreakable human spirit in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, the 1972 Andes plane crash remains a remarkable story of survival. The endurance and resilience displayed by the survivors, as well as the support and faith that sustained them, continue to serve as a source of inspiration. The commemoration of the 50th anniversary and the ongoing presence of a cross atop the mountain stand as a testament to the enduring impact of this extraordinary tale.