:quality(70):focal(882x1406:892x1416)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/liberation/EAY6ND56ZNHHHO34VBJXH6VAV4.jpg "Amazon Crash Survival: 36 Hours in the Marsh")
Amazon Crash Survival: 36 Hours in the Marsh
- CAYMANS, Bolivia (AP) — Five people survived an emergency plane landing in a marshy area of the Bolivian Amazon and were rescued Friday, May 2, after being stranded...
- Pilot Andrés Velarde, 29, recounted from his hospital bed that the plane experienced engine failure mid-flight Wednesday, causing it too rapidly lose altitude.
- "The shock was tough, but we were all safe," Velarde said, according to video footage broadcast by Bolivian media outlets.
Amazon Plane Crash Survivors Rescued After 36 Hours Surrounded by Caimans
CAYMANS, Bolivia (AP) — Five people survived an emergency plane landing in a marshy area of the Bolivian Amazon and were rescued Friday, May 2, after being stranded for 36 hours, local authorities said. The incident, which occurred near Caymans, saw all passengers – three women, a child, and the pilot – emerge unharmed.
Pilot Andrés Velarde, 29, recounted from his hospital bed that the plane experienced engine failure mid-flight Wednesday, causing it too rapidly lose altitude. Velarde searched for a suitable landing spot, ultimately finding only a marsh near a lagoon.
“The shock was tough, but we were all safe,” Velarde said, according to video footage broadcast by Bolivian media outlets.
Stranded and Surrounded
The survivors soon realized they were not alone in the Amazonian swamp. Velarde explained that the crashed plane was surrounded by caimans, making it too dangerous to leave the aircraft’s cabin.
“They stayed 3 or 4 meters away,watching us all night,” Velarde recalled.
Unlikely Repellent
According to Velarde, the strong smell of fuel leaking from the damaged plane may have kept the caimans at bay. He suggested this “essence” prevented the reptiles from approaching the aircraft. The group also reported seeing a large anaconda, which they believe was also deterred by the diesel fumes.
“We spent almost 36 hours without being able to sleep,” Velarde added. He said the group sustained themselves on cassava flour brought by one of the passengers. Authorities actively searched for the missing plane and its occupants, eventually locating and airlifting them to safety.
Flight Details
The plane departed Wednesday from Baures, headed toward Trinidad, both cities located in the Beni department, approximately 110 miles apart. Air travel is common in this region of the Amazon due to the poor condition of roads.
Amazon Plane crash: Q&A about the Survival Story
What happened in the Amazon plane crash?
Five people survived an emergency plane landing in a marshy area of the Bolivian Amazon, near Caymans. They where stranded for 36 hours and rescued on Friday,May 2. All passengers (three women, a child, and the pilot) emerged unharmed from the crash.
What caused the plane to crash?
Pilot Andrés Velarde, 29, reported that the plane experienced engine failure mid-flight. This caused the aircraft to rapidly lose altitude, forcing Velarde to seek a suitable landing spot.
Where did the plane crash?
The plane crashed in a marshy area near a lagoon in the Bolivian Amazon, near Caymans.
How long were the survivors stranded?
The survivors were stranded for 36 hours.
What dangers did the survivors face after the crash?
The survivors were surrounded by caimans, making it risky to leave the planeS cabin.
What did the survivors eat while stranded?
The survivors sustained themselves on cassava flour brought by one of the passengers.
What kept the caimans away?
The strong smell of fuel leaking from the damaged plane may have kept the caimans at bay. The survivors also reported seeing a large anaconda, which they believe was also deterred by the fuel.
How were the survivors rescued?
Authorities searched for the missing plane and its occupants, eventually locating them and airlifting them to safety.
Where did the plane depart from and where was it headed?
The plane departed from Baures and was headed toward Trinidad, both cities located in the Beni department of Bolivia.
How far apart are Baures and Trinidad?
Baures and Trinidad are approximately 110 miles apart.
Why is air travel common in this region of the Amazon?
Air travel is common in this region because of the poor condition of the roads.
Key Facts about the Amazon Plane Crash
Here’s a summary of the key details:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Bolivian Amazon, near Caymans |
| Date of Rescue | Friday, May 2 |
| Cause of Crash | Engine Failure |
| Number of Survivors | 5 (3 women, 1 child, 1 pilot) |
| Time Stranded | 36 hours |
| Threats Faced | Caimans, anaconda |
| Food Source | Cassava flour |
| Departure Point | Baures |
| Destination | Trinidad |