Five people survive nearly two days in alligator-riddled swamp
Share this @internewscast.com

Five people have been rescued from an alligator-infested swamp almost two days after their plane crashed in the Amazonian jungle in Bolivia.

The small aircraft, which was carrying the pilot, three women, and a child, crashed on Wednesday, though the group was not rescued until Friday morning, according to the Bolivian Defence Ministry.

None of the group were seriously injured and they survived on chocolate and cassava flour during the ordeal.

Some of the survivors who spent nearly two days in an alligator-infested swamp after their plane crashed in the Bolivian jungle. (CNN/Bolivian Defence Ministry) (CNN)

The plane had taken off from the Baures municipality in northern Bolivia and was bound for the city of Trinidad, the ministry said.

An hour after take-off, the pilot reported technical issues before all contact with the aircraft was lost.

The pilot, identified by local media outlets as 27-year-old Pablo Andrés Velarde, managed to execute an emergency landing but ended up near an alligator nest, he informed local outlet Unitel.

“We crashed into a swamp, and right next to it, there was an alligator nest. However, thanks to the fuel that leaked from the aircraft, it contaminated the water, and the strong smell frightened them away—not entirely, but enough that they didn’t approach to attack us,” he explained from his hospital bed.

One survivor, Mirtha Fuentes, told local media of her emotional disbelief after surviving the plane crash.

The survivors were pulled to safety and flown to hospital in a rescue helicopter. (CNN/ Bolivian Defence Ministry) (CNN)

“We all cried with happiness because we were alive, with bruises, but alive and very lucky, thanks to God and the pilot’s quick thinking and intelligence,” she told Unitel.

Bolivia’s defence ministry and civil defence activated a search and rescue operation, but the first 48 hours were hindered by “adverse weather conditions,” the ministry said. Multiple flights passed over the survivors but failed to spot them, local media reported.

The group survived on rationed food recovered by the pilot from the submerged plane, before they were discovered by fishermen early on Friday.

The five survivors were flown to Trinidad, in a rescue helicopter from Bolivia’s Air Force.

“Thanks to the work of our specialised personnel, at this time the five rescued individuals, including a child, are alive and we are making every effort to take them to safe areas and provide them with the medical attention they need,” Bolivian president Luis Arce said in a statement.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Bangkok, Thailand - February 15, 2021 : iPhone 7 showing its screen with popular social networking applications which are Clubhouse, Instagram and Facebook.

Research suggests social media might affect children’s intelligence

Children who use social media more often are likely to have lower…
Rabbitohs player charged over alleged domestic violence incident

Rabbitohs Player Accused in Suspected Domestic Violence Case

Rabbitohs winger Tyrone Munro has been charged over an alleged domestic violence…

Two Years After the Voice Referendum: Founders Remain Dedicated to the Mission

It’s two years since Australians headed to the polls for the country’s…
Joy, relief rule for now - but pitfalls could lie ahead for Gaza

Gaza Experiences Temporary Relief Amid Joy, But Challenges May Arise

Back in Israel, the hostages have returned safely, while Palestinians rejoiced at…
What La Niña declaration could mean for Australian weather

The Impact of a La Niña Declaration on Australian Weather

The weather phenomenon La Niña was reported last week by the National…
Entertainment reporter Peter Ford says he is considering leaving Melbourne.

Broadcast Commentator Plans to Leave Victoria Due to Crime Concerns

One of Australia’s best-known TV and radio commentators is fleeing Victoria in…
work from home setback for women

Chinese Hackers Target Australian Remote Workers via Wi-Fi Routers and VPNs

Australia’s cyber espionage agency has issued an alert that Chinese hackers are…

“Worry Arises After Prime Minister and Opposition Leader’s Phone Numbers Are Exposed”

Authorities are investigating a “concerning” data leak that has resulted in the…

Cape Verde Celebrates Milestone Achievement with World Cup Qualification

A carnival-like atmosphere erupted in the streets of Cape Verde’s capital Praia…
National park reopens despite ongoing search for accused gunman Dezi Freeman

National Park Welcomes Visitors Again Amid Ongoing Manhunt for Suspect Dezi Freeman

A national park in Victoria, closed for seven weeks due to the…

Marles and Wong Applaud Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan as a ‘Significant Success’

Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles has praised United States President Donald Trump…
Premier Jacinta Allan making an announcement regarding housing developments in wealthier suburbs.

Upcoming Changes to Victoria’s Voluntary Assisted Dying Laws

The Victorian Government has revised the state’s voluntary assisted dying (VAD) laws…