Survivor of 1972 Andes plane crash details harrowing events

In 1972, a plane carrying a rugby team from Uruguay crashed in the Andes Mountains. Sixteen people managed to survive 72 agonizing days in brutal conditions. Reporting for TODAY, NBC’s Tom Llamas speaks with one of the survivors ahead of the release of the new Netflix film “Society of the Snow” that highlights the remarkable story.
» Subscribe to TODAY: on.today.com/SubscribeToTODAY
» Watch the latest from TODAY: bit.ly/LatestTODAY
About: TODAY brings you the latest headlines and expert tips on money, health and parenting. We wake up every morning to give you and your family all you need to start your day. If it matters to you, it matters to us. We are in the people business. Subscribe to our channel for exclusive TODAY archival footage & our original web series.
Connect with TODAY Online!
Visit TODAY's Website: on.today.com/ReadTODAY
Find TODAY on Facebook: on.today.com/LikeTODAY
Follow TODAY on Twitter: on.today.com/FollowTODAY
Follow TODAY on Instagram: on.today.com/InstaTODAY
» Stream TODAY All Day: www.today.com/allday
About: TODAY All Day is a 24/7 streaming channel bringing you the top stories in news and pop culture, celebrity interviews, cooking, and more. All in one place.
#survivor #planecrash #andesmountains

[@pattywolford]

The two young men who hiked out to Chile to effect rescue! Heroism beyond comprehension.

[@DaveFisher-cq2dr]

amen to that!

[@NotLikeUs869]

True grit.

[@wilfredolopez4768]

One of those guys had he’s mother and sister dead in the plane and he knew he had to go or else him or other guys with him had no choice but to eat they’re flesh . Just imagine you eating parts of your mom or sister. He had to take that risk. Sad 😞

[@Fucklesticks]

I guess desperation and knowing you're probably going to die anyway can make you do unimaginable things.

[@HK-gm8pe]

that kind of hike is difficult for experienced hikers , the fact that they survived is a miracle , just shows the will these guys had to survive

[@FararOutDude]

To ask the man “what was it like to eat your loved ones” is absolutely insane and wrong

[@alittlebitofpeace]

Just evil asking that question

[@aussiecatlady]

Why??? It’s what happened

[@ThisHandleFeatureIsStupid]

Dumb conclusion. It was fine.

[@xhengsushi]

for sure, these men been ask that so many times. :((( they don't need do brought that up every interview over and over again. It's traumatic!

[@Fiemus9]

It's a necessary question. Of course, he shouldn't be shamed. No one should ask it with blame. But talking about it is important. It's a valid question if given with sympathy.

[@atomparish]

Honestly cannot believe how strong these guys are. Then to watch the movie and be so candid about what happened…like what I would never want to relive any of that

[@PolyKids808]

These days people are not built like them 🥺

[@BigRW]

​@@PolyKids808There are still some around, just not as many as there used to be.

[@nogreatreset8506]

@@PolyKids808 many people of any time period could not go through what they went through.

[@cherryblack420]

They did it for the victims, probably.

[@EBCX]

There is actually a survivor who doesn’t even want to talk about it and he didn’t want to be related to the movie or know anything about it whatsoever

[@tiagomaqz]

I dehydrated crying throughout this entire movie. The first 17 minutes alone blew me away. WOW.

[@soulmatetejaaahh5580]

SAMEEEEEE BESTIEEEE

[@dancemaniaco]

I recommend the 2008 documentary (Stranded! The Andes Plane Crash Survivors) it is posted here on KZbin, it has original audio in Spanish but with English subtitles, for me it is the best documentary of all those that have already been produced, I even like it More than the two films, many of survivors are on the interview, and there is much more richness of detail about what was experienced, especially when they talk about the experience, that several of them lived during the avalanche, highly recommended material, greetings from Uruguay !!!!

[@lilgit9969]

Alive was a superb movie but Society of the Snow just seemed so much more real. An amazing survival story.

[@T3n50r]

100%! I've seen Alive a few times in the past and thought this wouldn't be able to come close to the atmosphere of that movie. They did an absolutely amazing job on this one, the actors were incredible, too. Both movies are amazing in their own rights, and I felt they did it justice and with respect. As cinematography and technology has come a long way since the first one I got to say both are 10/10's but if I'm going to watch a movie about this event I'm defo picking the most recent one. Came here right after having watched it. I can't recollect the last time I saw a movie and was moved to the point I wanted to know more about the survivors and how they're doing today.

[@Matt_Wilson01]

Alive has some of the worst acting I have ever seen, even worse than Amber heards acting

[@T3n50r]

@@Matt_Wilson01 Might be (been so long I don't remember) but my focus while watching was always on the story and the cinematography was excellent. I think that may have overshadowed their acting for me if it was as bad as you say.

[@DaveFisher-cq2dr]

I totally agree

[@MrBluntDaily]

Agreed. But dude, remember the shoes? In Alive, Nando had one baby shoe, and another survivor had the other shoe. They waved the shoes at each other during the rescue. That little detail wasn't in the new movie. Not complaining, I'm just saying.

[@francoaguzzi9332]

There were 3 cameos, Carlos Paez plays his own father, he is the one who mentions each survivor twice towards the end. Roberto Canessa is the doctor behind "himself" (He is also a doctor and cardiologist in real life). And Nando Parrado (who crossed the Andes on foot with Roberto) is the man who opens the door for them when they enter the airport at the beginning of the film. Edit: there were more cameos: Daniel Strauch (in the mass at the beginning of the film. He appears seated in the second row on the left side) Joaquin de Freitas Turcatti (he is Numa's real nephew. He plays his uncle's neighbor in a scene where Numa rides home on his bicycle). José Luis Inciarte (reading the newspaper in the bar scene). Ramón Sabella (dressed in a dark suit at the airport).

[@T3n50r]

This is how you know for a fact proper respect and green signal has been given by survivors of a tragic event themselves. This is beyond being just a movie about a tragic event at that point. Thank you so much for posting this, I wouldn't have known if I hadn't come across your comment.

[@buzzardbeatniks]

Ah thanks I recognized Carlitos and Nando but missed Canessa.

[@kimberlymacfadyen1194]

I noticed Nando Parrado's cameo right away. From there I knew the movie was going to be true to what happened.

[@zahraa_IR]

هل هذه القصة حقيقة ​@@T3n50r

[@goodgaal8943]

which scene is the real roberto i can see? bcs i still hard to find it😅😢

[@AIGlobalbiz]

I just finished watching the movie. It was such an emotional experience; I haven't cried this much in a very long time. It's going to be hard to find sleep tonight. My heart goes out to the survivors - the mental and emotional toll they've endured, like survivor's guilt and nightmares, is unimaginable.😢❤

[@elvireaude1941]

I couldn't sleep yesterday it's affected me so much😢

[@lo7892]

I can't imagine going through what they went through. So crazy.

[@AIGlobalbiz]

@@elvireaude1941 now I see why my mother never let me watch ‘Alive’ when I was young . So sad

[@AIGlobalbiz]

@@lo7892 🥲 such a sad story .

[@zekecowans7792]

Calm down .

[@Djk2578]

What a movie, can’t believe how much I cried. Also so happy to see Uruguayan actors and the survivors on this platform 👏🏼

[@Tomy_Yon]

The new movie is even better than the first one. Because it's more elaborated. But the story stays incredible.

[@dancemaniaco]

I recommend the 2008 documentary (Stranded! The Andes Plane Crash Survivors) it is posted here on KZbin, it has original audio in Spanish but with English subtitles, for me it is the best documentary of all those that have already been produced, I even like it More than the two films, many of survivors are on the interview, and there is much more richness of detail about what was experienced, especially when they talk about the experience, that several of them lived during the avalanche, highly recommended material, greetings from Uruguay !!!!

[@rahulvinalnarayan9743]

Society of the Snow deserves Best Picture

[@TheTruthKiwi]

It has to be annoying for the survivors that the cannibalism is always brought up. They just did it as a means to survive and didn't want to think about it too much. Of course people love drama and a controversial event so it will always be a part of their story. The film is very good btw.

[@ashmakk]

Exactly what I was thinking, who cares how they did it.. they lived! I’m sure the deceased would’ve wanted them to make it. Sure it’s unusual and disturbing don’t get me wrong, but the only thing that mattered in those 3 months is that they were alive.

[@TheTruthKiwi]

@@ashmakk 100% agree Ash. 🙂

[@marielle6534]

literally

[@disagol]

Yes I agree but you have to understand the context, it was 50 years ago and most latin american countries have a strong catholic roots. Eventually people understood but at first the had to face it

[@jj-if6it]

Yeah, it's not like they killed people. Who cares

[@virginiawright961]

I still cannot find words to describe what I feel watching this movie. I can't help but weep.

[@davidraf3067]

I just saw the movie. it deserves several oscars. It is a true gem. I'm glad it's not a Hollywood movie. Being spoken in Spanish by Uruguayans and filmed in that country and in the Andes makes it more real. The photography is breathtaking and the music is truly wonderful. It's been a long time since a movie made me cry. Congratulations.

[@LilyfromUruguay]

As a Uruguayan, this remarkable survival ordeal is close to my heart. I've read the book and I will certainly watch the movie. Proud of you, guys!

[@Letsdothiskg]

What’s the books name

[@LilyfromUruguay]

La sociedad de la nieve (Society of the snow) as the movie.

[@exosfearjhap]

this movie is late 90's or early 2000 i guess? I rented the dvd, i forgot what year it is?

[@thejanitor8512]

la garra charrua que le dicen..slds de Peru

[@sandjune2753]

I saw the documentary, it made me cry. The love, concern and compassion towards each other was beautiful even in time of death. Very brave and courageous men.

[@Awaan123]

That is the best true survival story that I have come across. Thanks to Netflix

[@VnkLG]

You should watch "The Impossible" by the same director as this one, It's also an amazing movie

[@sozkurdi6997]

I couldn't hold back my tears when, in the movie, the cameraman from the chopper started filming, and they rolled the real footage. 😭

[@lo7892]

That real footage makes it 10 times more incredible.

[@kathleenbrownell3697]

That was truly amazing. I caught myself saying, “ Those are the real people!”

[@missgui4400]

I saw the Society of the Snow. I cried as a baby and I cried as a mother. Such resilient people!

[@God4gav]

First i want to say RIH to the lives lost. This movie was so profound. The tears of joy I cried for them being rescued. So blessed to see their story. I was invested in the movie when I saw the date of the crash being 2 months before I was born. Rescued Dec 22 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@julievanderleest]

I thought this crash was more recent than 1972. Saw the movie not all that long ago and it seemed like it happened in recent times. Can’t begin to imagine what these people went through. So terrifying.

[@FifiLaRue]

You might be thinking of Nossa Chape documentary. A Brazilian soccer teams plane crashed in Columbia in 2016

[@CelesteBou]

They were really young when they crashed. The mother of one of the boys who died on the plane is alive today, J.A. Bayona (the filmmaker) met her

[@YTT718]

The movie Was Alive

[@jj-if6it]

Well the movie was from 1993

[@tomdevine7395]

Around 1975 I was a 10-year-old who didn't like to read. My parents tried to force me to read things like "Tom Sawyer" and other books. I wouldn't read. I only liked WW2 movies and picture books. One day, I was looking at the books my parents had and saw "Alive!" which caught my attention. I looked at the photos inside and saw that they had engaged in cannibalism to survive and I was hooked, I started reading that book and now 48 years later I continue to be a regular reader. Those guys were my heroes. Those strange, foreign, odd, men from "somewhere" down there (to a Midwestern kid) were strong, heroic, and blessed to have survived an incredible plan crash, wounds, the elements, starvation, and the aftermath. God bless you all.

[@justagrlwithnoname]

I’ve known about this story for years. I think the film did a great job telling their story, I was crying the whole time.

[@David-xp4hk]

I saw the movie yesterday and I am ngl I was so disturbed, I literally couldn’t sleep. I stayed up all night. I am so happy they survived but what they went through was so horrifying 😔

[@reemaghi2690]

Me to david 🥺

[@1inchpunisher715]

Facts, amazing amazing movie, just watched it

[@LaPopis-zk9ek]

I watched it last night and dreamed about it. I couldn’t stop thinking about it all day today. What an incredible story

[@ThisHandleFeatureIsStupid]

Probably best to stay away from "The Poughkeepsie Tapes" then! lol

[@LavCBeauty]

Just watched and was overwhelmed with emotion. I was happy they were rescued and reunited with their families, but I cried so hard for the ones that didn’t make it😢 great film

[@user-sl7tv6bx8d]

So happy their story gets to be told again!! I lived in Uruguay for 4 years and got to meet Roberto Canesa at a South African function , he was invited because he travels there as he is a doctor. We spoke and he was so humble he actually said to me that he’s been through so much nothing fazes him anymore and he just appreciates life. He actually tried to rent out his house in Carrasco to us. Also got to meet Carlos Paez in Punta Del Este and he was also awesome to talk to and you could see how much love he has for his son Carlitos whom he never gave up on! I hope this film gets the accolades it deserves because honestly if I’ve learned one thing from it, it’s that the human spirit will always come in clutch when you need it the most 💚💚RIP to those who passed🙏🏾

[@jimenaaleman6954]

Que lindo q pudo conocerlos, a mi me gustaria

[@grachiepernosa588]

Nando's quick physical recovery and spiritual strenght to later hike the mountains for days was simply amazing. On top of that his mother and sister that were also passengers were dead. He woke up from the coma (when the plane crashed) as a kind of Robocop

[@jacquelinea.7575]

And it is incredible, that leaving Nando’s head towards the cold, expecting he wouldn’t make it through the night, it was really what saved his life… i think science should thank them for that accidental discovery… nowadays brain injuries are treated that way…

[@pumkinwu]

Just watched this & couldn’t hold back the tears 😭

[@zahraa_IR]

هل هوه قصة حقيقة ؟

[@TasPan666]

​@@zahraa_IRof course

[@cia-ceeyac9287]

Oh em gee... Me too. So emotional

[@dancemaniaco]

I recommend the 2008 documentary (Stranded! The Andes Plane Crash Survivors) it is posted here on KZbin, it has original audio in Spanish but with English subtitles, for me it is the best documentary of all those that have already been produced, I even like it More than the two films, many of survivors are on the interview, and there is much more richness of detail about what was experienced, especially when they talk about the experience, that several of them lived during the avalanche, highly recommended material, greetings from Uruguay !!!!

[@YTT718]

One of the best movies ive ever seen...along with Alive...but I love the authentic feel of this gilm and the stock photos.

[@illuddivinus3309]

The stock photos aren’t until the end. The ones during the movie when the guy takes pictures are still of the actors in black and white.

[@DaveFisher-cq2dr]

I think Society of the Snow is even better than Alive

[@athens31415]

@@DaveFisher-cq2dr Agreed. Alive is whitewashed and glamorized for Hollywood, which I think is insulting to the survivors and those that died. SOS did a much better job telling the story accurately *and* honoring their stories.

[@sandrohernandez23]

Just watched it and 1st of R.I.P. to all that perished and my respect to all the survivors that walked through and survived that valley of death 🙏❤️

[@zivmontenegro8303]

This case really caught my attention on Wikipedia, and I have strong respect for these men. RIP to the people who didn't make it...❤

[@keepingitreal.544]

Society of the snow..wow!! What a film..just finished watching it,so much better than the film alive. I will never complain about the cold weather again in my life after watching this film 😔🙏

[@TSHWANELO830]

This movie deserves an oscar😢

[@SK-6899]

What an amazing survival story. It was very detailed and wonderful that they kept each other going. I cried when they were finally rescued. Tears of relief and joy. Very powerful and the strength of these guys to survive was incredible. 🙏❤️

[@tammyrush3315]

Powerful story. Thank you

[@lo7892]

Just watched it. Unbelievable! I would never want to see snow again! Wow, what a movie. Its like i was there. To survive such a thing and be able to talk about, is unbelievable

[@emmanovita4061]

The movie is so good. What an incredible life's story and to be able to live to tell the story is one's biggest blessing. May God rest the souls of the ones who perished in the Andes.

[@dannyhernandez265]

Wasn’t “god” the one who put them in that situation in the first place? 🤔

[@shilpasingh7338]

It's a heart-wrenching story and you will cry while watching the movie.😢

[@than217]

It's amazing that 14 of the 16 are still alive. One died just a few months ago.

[@athens31415]

Sergio Catalan, the rancher who saved them, just died in 2020 at age 91.

[@gpeddino]

"Don't wait for your plane to crash." Wow.

[@wallenort3679]

Society of the snow is the best movie I've ever watched. And it was based on a true story, amazing people. So touching and heroic.

[@rkhan502]

All I can say.....great respect...😢

[@msdenise816]

I cried like a baby watching the new movie. Courage isn't even the word...crazy...

[@duchessofautumn]

Incredible story

[@toddjohnson271]

Nando and Roberto climbing out of the Andes.......always amazed me.

[@Sinohn]

i cried watching the movie, but i can’t imagine what the survivors felt when they watched the pre screening.

[@lindseyrenee4412]

Truly absolutely astounding

[@Christina-yd9fe]

So emotional. What brave men!

[@CC-kl4nh]

Watched a different version a long time ago. It was incredible.

[@cocomin9381]

They mentioned some of the survivors hadn’t seen each other in decades. This is incorrect. They reunite every year on the anniversary of their rescue. This year, they were missing two that have passed and one couldn’t make it.

[@Ilovedallthepeople]

Who are the ones that have passed?

[@ailem2707]

@@IlovedallthepeopleJavier Methol passed away in 2015, age 80, and José Luis “Coche” Inciarte in 2023, at 75. Both of natural causes. Btw, Methol’s family was involved in SOTS, and Coche was directly involved, got close with the actor that plays him, and also was shown an early cut of the movie before he passed away

[@graceslominski1073]

Best movie I’ve watch in Netflix. Very well made. 👏👏👏

[@stephaniesmith5974]

The movie is like living it. It stays with you. God Bless them all!

[@Cloudyconfusion]

What a horrible question as a journalist to ask them in real life with no warning about what it was like to eat their friends!

[@BackflipinBrandon]

He's probably more then used to it at this point

[@DaveFisher-cq2dr]

exactly @@BackflipinBrandon

[@flaviamenezes7301]

Hoje eles ainda respondem a esta pergunta tão cruel, imagina o quê não passaram com a imprensa na época que eram jovens, uma covardia perguntarem aos sobreviventes sobre tão traumática decisão, viver ou morrer, era a única saída para quem escolheu viver.

[@dancemaniaco]

I recommend the 2008 documentary (Stranded! The Andes Plane Crash Survivors) it is posted here on KZbin, it has original audio in Spanish but with English subtitles, for me it is the best documentary of all those that have already been produced, I even like it More than the two films, many of survivors are on the interview, and there is much more richness of detail about what was experienced, especially when they talk about the experience, that several of them lived during the avalanche, highly recommended material, greetings from Uruguay !!!!

[@sharonsolana]

Incredible!

[@marsargoxmiso1695]

I can’t even imagine this type of fear and pain the fact that they had to eat the dead to survive is just incomprehensible. Such strong men and the two that made that grueling walk to get help.

[@alexandervalladares2501]

Amazing Movie... I just learned they filmed at the same location.... That is simply amazing. Amazing actors also !!!!

[@marimuah]

I literally can’t get this out my head! It’s so sad!! 😢

[@nayelisanchez6734]

My mom was born a year after this happened, she was born in Mexico. She always told me what had happened growing up. When I was older I came across alive then we watched society of the snow last night. I think this story will go on forever!!

[@ThuNguyen-lo8oj]

I cannot hold back tears watching this movie on Netflix. May God be with all the people who had been on that flight. And to the survivors, I have no words but my deepest respect, you have taught me so much more about appreciating life than anything else I have been through.

[@thegamingplayer8395]

Saw the movie in the theaters yesterday. Incredible

[@EjRidenhour]

It’s amazing to see the survivors still in good condition on 2024 🙏

[@alexanderromero9701]

This movie was so emotional when,they finally got rescued

[@Aelfraed26]

The anchorman is wrong: the plane crashed in the Argentine Andes, not the Chilean Andes. It crashed on the Argentine side of the border.

[@rca6576]

This film was just incredible. I saw the previous film "Alive" but, this one is just so raw and real.

[@novelistak]

Same ,I was made the video about 4 years ago

[@ambaw1004]

I have respect for this people

[@lorir5728]

Just unreal going through that. Talk about bonding. No-one would ever really know. Just watching the movies and interviews are enough to make me panicky.

[@stacyfabiszewski4633]

Wow!

[@inspobookk]

It was a amazing move the best ive ever seen❤️

[@tankc6474]

Respect from Ireland 🇮🇪 👏

[@Objection_23and1]

The human will to survive is truly remarkable and terrifying 🥺

[@sayitloudblcknproud]

Increible!

[@D-CELLZ]

I remember watching alive as a kid I look forward to the new movie The endurance those people had is astonishing

[@Fabo100]

Just watch Society of Snow, tested up a little at the end. Remarkable movie. I watched with subtitles. It was much better that way imo

[@societydwellingifd8080]

*_ just finished the new movie and I'm speechless just as I was for the original movie._*

[@T3n50r]

Same thing here. Didn't think they'd be able to recapture it as well as the first one and was a bit concerned this was nothing but a cash grab opportunity for Netflix. So happy I was wrong about that and the film makers paid survivors and the deceased their due respect in retelling the story.

[@zahraa_IR]

هل القصة حقيقة

[@jhonvinson]

Just finished watching it today one of the best movies of all time😢

[@CC-kl4nh]

Roberto is incredible!

[@cynthiablandford6213]

When ever l feel disheartened and despaired, l think of these men and the what they endured and survived,and l am reminded absolutely NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE!!This movie was an excellent watch,much better than "Alive"😢

[@jennifermccrady9505]

Totally agree and do the same when I feel beaten

[@Loveabounds.]

Very sad 😢

[@luciavarela6095]

I'm fan of this extraordinary story!

[@j1minsno1]

It made me cry sm

[@zaynab2085]

I don’t know why but I grew up hearing about this crash and I thought it had happened more recent. As soon as the names of the deceased were posted I could not hold back my tears. I was born in 1978. Overall I think the film was done very well, I think the victims and survivors were honored and represented in good light. Thank you for sharing your stories, now I am interested in watching an interview with the survivors about the struggles they encountered over the years after their return.

[@stargazer1359]

Read the book in '77... What a story.

[@Adifgreat]

The new film is based on 'Society of the Snow' by Pablo Vierci, a book written 36 years after the tragedy, which does not focus on the gruesome details, but on the human side of the story, the sixteen survivors' feelings, and their spiritual and mental struggle in the Andes and the aftermath.

[@novelistak]

​@@Adifgreatsame thoughts

[@sharhful]

I watched the movie tonight. It was unbelievable and difficult to watch. I cannot imagine how terrifying this event was and how miraculous it was for the survivors to make it out 😮

[@emilyfigueroa961]

i cried at the end.. 🥺🥺🥺

[@blueandbanana]

Touching and painful movie.

[@micjam1986]

I read the book long ago. Not mentioned here is after the crash they found a radio and heard the search for them was called off. This led to the two hiking out. Those who remained behind heard on that same radio that the two had made it to safety. What a moment!

[@peruchas.r3983]

A faithful film of what really happened. It's worth seeing!

[@nenadaigle8734]

Just saw the movie. God bless them all and their families. ❤

[@EjRidenhour]

This movie a masterpiece almost made me cry salute to these men I couldn’t imagine going through this🥺10/10. One of my favorite movies I’ve seen in a while I felt like I was either them still can’t believe it’s true.

[@kevincarr335]

I hope Netflix puts out a bluray to purchase

[@Ghost-Of-Kyiv-]

This movie hit different than Alive ... Speechless

[@michaelmichael9940]

These are real hero’s!! Amazing ordeal they endured

[@estilobohemio]

When i was a little kid My mother told me this history because she was ready to deliver when hearing the radio news I born next day 14 oct 72...is very sad 😢 history

[@lidefsomar5291]

Ive seen the andes many times and always reminds of this story, theres always turbulence passing by

[@LaSleepy33]

Amazing movie and survivers this movie made me cry 😢

[@dschroeda]

Amazing story

[@VadelCheikh]

I just finished the film on Netflix it was really great and great

[@chubalongchar71]

The power of the human will is extraordinary.

[@sierabravo215]

To hike over those mountains with socks filled with human flesh is beyond comprehension. And saved the rest of the team. ❤

[@lilmichael212]

This movie was absolutely brilliant.

[@MrPrinceredz]

One of the best movie this year.