History Daily: "The Miracle of the Andes" – October 13, 2025

Overview

In this harrowing episode, host Lindsey Graham recounts the traumatic story of the 1972 crash of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 in the Andes mountains. Known as the "Miracle of the Andes," the survival ordeal of the Old Christians rugby team and their companions is explored in vivid, empathetic detail, emphasizing the extreme conditions they overcame, tragic losses endured, and the moral dilemmas faced during their 72-day struggle to live.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Crash and Immediate Aftermath

• Flight and Crash ([00:29]–[01:41])

  • The Uruguayan Air Force flight, carrying 19 rugby players and their supporters, crashes at 12,000 feet during a descent hindered by poor visibility.
  • Many perish instantly or are gravely injured.
  • Lindsey Graham:

    “Nando braces himself as pieces of the aircraft are torn away, throwing the airplane against the mountain again and again till it skids down the side of a glacier… Nando will fall into a coma for three days.” ([01:41])

• Triage and Organization ([05:01]–[07:52])

  • Survivors, led by medical students Gustavo Zerbino and Roberto Canessa, tend to the wounded with scant supplies in freezing conditions.
  • The rugby team utilizes airplane remnants to build shelter and fend off the cold.
  • Search and rescue efforts are ongoing but unsuccessful due to weather, terrain, and failed SOS signals.
  • Marcelo Perez, the team captain, emerges as a leader and helps keep group morale stable.

• Resourcefulness Amid Crisis

  • Survivors craft snow-melting systems using sheet metal, convert seat covers into blankets, and use cushions for mobility on snow.

Mounting Hardship and Tragic Losses

• Scarcity and Despair ([08:00]–[10:38])

  • Food is severely limited – survivors ration candy, wine, and preserved goods among 28 people.
  • Nando Parrado wakes from his coma to the death of his mother and impending loss of his sister.

  • “The mood is tense and becoming ominous and Nando, still nursing his own injuries, worries for himself and his sister.” ([09:42])

• The Ultimate Moral Dilemma: Cannibalism ([12:24]–[14:08])

  • On the eleventh day, the survivors hear that the rescue search has been called off.
  • Out of options, the group makes the “simple but not easy” decision to eat flesh from the deceased to survive.

  • “It was terrible to even contemplate consuming the body of any human, let alone their friends, family, and teammates. But if they wanted to survive, the group agreed it was unavoidable.” ([13:33])

  • Roberto Canessa, showing remarkable composure, uses broken glass to portion the flesh.
  • The group consents that in death, they will allow their bodies to sustain the others.

• Avalanche Disaster and Loss of Leadership ([14:08]–[17:10])

  • Days later, an avalanche engulfs their makeshift shelter, killing another eight people, including team leader Marcelo Perez.
  • Nando breaks a window to provide ventilation and save those trapped from asphyxiation.

Attempts at Escape and Final Salvation

• First Expedition and Crushing Setbacks ([17:10]–[19:53])

  • Nando Parrado, with others, sets out to find help; a search of the plane’s tail reveals some additional supplies—brief hope.
  • Attempts to power the radio with salvaged batteries fail.

• The Final Trek to Survival ([19:53]–[22:39])

  • On December 12, 1972, after two months and numerous deaths, Nando and one companion attempt a treacherous journey over the Andes for help.

  • “With their food supplies running low, Nando suggests that one member of the expedition team return to the crash site, which will leave enough rations for Nando and one other to survive.” ([20:41])

  • After days of trekking, they finally spot signs of civilization: livestock, and then, men on horseback who bring salvation.
  • Rescuers retrieve the remaining survivors; only 16 out of 45 people survive the ordeal.

Memorable Quotes & Notable Moments

• The Moment of Descent:

  “Nando glances out his window and instead of seeing cloud cover, he sees the black ridge of a mountain.” – Lindsey Graham ([00:50])

• On Cannibalism:

  “The decision, though simple, was not easy. The survivors are all Roman Catholic, a religion that condemns the act of cannibalism. Fearing eternal damnation, many struggled with the idea…” – Lindsey Graham ([13:10])

• Tragedy on Tragedy:

  “A cascade of snow races down the mountainside… the whole party is trapped inside the plane. And as the cramped space quickly runs out of breathable air, their situation becomes even more desperate.” – Lindsey Graham ([14:40])

• Leadership and Perseverance:

  “Nando will refuse to give up hope. Summoning whatever strength and courage he has left, he'll begin planning a new expedition, one that may be their last chance of survival.” ([17:26])

• Rescue and Aftermath:

  “Of the 45 people aboard Flight 571, only 16 will survive the ordeal. The remains of the rest will eventually be buried at the crash site and a memorial will be erected there.” ([22:12])

Timeline of Major Events & Timestamps

• [00:29] – Introduction to the flight and rugby team
• [01:39] – The crash: immediate chaos and first deaths
• [05:01] – Survivor triage and attempts at rescue
• [09:05] – Nando Parrado wakes, learns of his family’s fate
• [12:24] – Search is called off; decision to resort to cannibalism
• [14:08] – Avalanche strikes, eight more perish
• [17:10] – First failed escape attempt and discovery of tail section
• [19:53] – Final expedition; trek across the mountains
• [22:12] – Discovery by herders; survivors’ rescue
• [22:39] – Epilogue: legacy, books, and film adaptation

Conclusion

This episode of History Daily delivers an immersive, emotionally powerful retelling of one of the twentieth century’s most unforgettable survival stories. Through the survivors’ resilience, ingenuity, and agonizing choices, listeners are reminded of the preciousness of life and the extremes humans will endure for hope.

For a deeper understanding and emotional resonance, listen to the full episode wherever you find History Daily.