The incredible survival story of the passengers of flight 571 that suffered an accident in the Andes in 1972 has enchanted millions of people, who through the film Society of the Snow have found a powerful message of resilience. However, although the film captured almost perfectly the harsh reality that the survivors faced over 72 days, several details were omitted for reasons of time, which is surprising.
And, although we could sometimes forget it, behind each of the people who traveled aboard that plane there is a story that is worth telling. For that reason, below we will tell you some details that the film directed by J.A. Bayona did not count, but they will surely leave you with your mouth open.
Things Society of the Snow Didn’t Tell You
Nando Was Presumed Dead
Fernando Parrado was not only one of the survivors of the Andes accident, but together with Roberto Canessa, he walked ten days to find help and ensure that everyone was rescued. However, before that happened, after the accident, Fernando was presumed dead, but he was actually in a coma for three days due to a concussion.
This caused them to place him next to the bodies of other passengers, causing his head to come into contact with the ice, which ended up helping him react.
A Strange Feeling
Ramón Sabella managed to escape the accident alive. Sometime later, he assured me that, even with purchased tickets, he decided to miss two flights because before boarding he had a “bad feeling.” This kept him alive, as both planes ended up crashing without leaving any survivors.
The Last Wish
Rafael Echavarren told his companions every day: “I am Rafael Echavarren and I swear I will return,” but on 11/18 he died and his last words were: “Dad, come for me.” Years later, his father managed to recover his body and bury it in Montevideo, as was his son’s last wish. For that action, his father was imprisoned for the crime of exhumation.
Favor With Favor It’s Paid
Sergio Hilario Catalán Martínez was the man who on December 22, 1972, found Roberto Canessa and Fernando Parrado and helped them rescue all the other passengers. Years later, in July 2007, osteoarthritis in the hip made it difficult for him to walk, so all the survivors decided to pay for the operation and the purchase of a prosthesis. Additionally, in 2012, they again provided financial support to undergo a second operation.
This story was written in Spanish by Mariana Martell in Cultura Colectiva.
