Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"The cold penetrated the bones and sculpted the skin as if it was acid, making each moment seem to last an eternity." — Nando Parado (as recounted by speaker)
"If I don't eat them, it's akin to suicide, because I can survive and I'm choosing not to. So if I commit suicide, if I don't eat this person, that I'm gonna go to hell." — Survivor's justification for consuming human flesh (as recounted by speaker)
"The survivors quickly realized that if they let the panic take over, all of them would die." — Speaker summarizing the survivors' mindset.
The episode recounts the catastrophic plane crash of the Old Christians Club rugby team in the Andes Mountains on October 13, 1972. The Fairchild F227 aircraft, carrying 45 people to Chile, encountered severe turbulence and crashed, leaving 16 survivors stranded in the unforgiving, snow-covered terrain. The narrative details the immediate aftermath, including the survivors' injuries, the extreme cold, and the dawning realization of their dire predicament with limited resources and no immediate sign of rescue.
As days turned into weeks, the survivors faced escalating challenges, including dwindling food supplies and the relentless cold. The most significant ethical and survival hurdle they encountered was the necessity of consuming the bodies of the deceased to sustain themselves, a practice termed anthropophagy. This was framed not as ritualistic cannibalism but as a desperate measure for survival, supported by theological justifications and the profound drive to live. The podcast highlights the teamwork, ingenuity, and sheer will required to endure such conditions, including improvising tools for melting snow and creating makeshift accommodations.
The story emphasizes the psychological toll of the ordeal, including moments of despair, the development of gallows humor, and the strength derived from their rugby team camaraderie. It details the eventual rescue efforts and the critical role of Nando Parrado and Roberto Canessa in their arduous journey to find help, underscoring the incredible resilience and determination that allowed a portion of the group to survive for 72 days against all odds.