Argentine border guards rescue Uruguayan lost during four months in the Andes

Monday, September 9th 2013 - 01:54 UTC

Full article 9 comments

The 58-year old wanted to cycle across the Andes to Chile

Authorities in Argentina say a 58-year-old man from Uruguay has been rescued in good health after spending four months lost in the Andes.The provincial emergency service says Raul Fernando Gomez was found Sunday. It says he had lost about 45 pounds and was dehydrated, and is being treated at a hospital.

Officials say Gomez had been reported missing in May while trying to bicycle across the Andes between Chile and Argentina. They quote Gomez as saying his bicycle broke down and he tried to finish his trek on foot, but became disoriented by two heavy snowfalls.

He told authorities that he lived off sugar and raisins he had with him and food cached in mountain shelters. He also said he ate rats that he trapped.

On Sunday Argentine frontier guards sighted him next to the Sardina refuge, 4.500 metres high, and rescued him. He was flown to the Rawson hospital by helicopter.

Categories: Health & Science, Argentina.

Top Comments

Disclaimer & comment rules

Frank
Rats in the high Andes? Obviously trying to desert a sinking ship..
Sep 09th, 2013 - 02:24 am 0
Mr Ed
Was he looking for an escape route for Mujica? Poor chap.
Sep 09th, 2013 - 04:19 am 0
lsolde
Lucky man.
Sep 09th, 2013 - 04:43 am 0

Read all comments

Commenting for this story is now closed.
If you have a Facebook account, become a fan and comment on our Facebook Page!