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10/23/2003 Archived Entry: "La Tragedia de los Andes"
Unforgettable days are few and far between in a lifetime - today was definitely one of them. I had the great privilege to meet Jose Luis Inciarte and Alvaro Mangino, two of the survivors of the tragic accident that occurred on October 13th 1972 when a Uruguyan airplane carrying 45 passengers crashed in the Andes. Their story has been made famous by the movie Alive and numerous books, as well as a Web site (Viven!).
For most people, the salient feature of the catastrophy is that the survivors had to eat human flesh in order to make it alive. Alvaro and "Coche" explain the reasons behind this terrible choice in a candid yet deeply moving way: they felt that having been miraculously spared during the crash, they had to keep on living, as a sort of duty to themselves and their loved ones. After several weeks recovering from the crash and establishing a routine, things were looking up. Then, a dramatic avalanche buried the airplane's remains with all the survivors inside. Suffocating under 6 metres of compact snow, 8 more passengers died a horrible death.
If had to remember just two lessons from this incredible story told by Alvaro and "Coche", it would be that, according to their own words, "it can always get worse". Fate can strike repeatedly, and living through the crash did not spare them the avalanche and further sufferings. Yet, they kept on repeating to each other "you breathe, so you are alive", demonstrating through a 72-day ordeal without name that the human nature is such that, even though one can think he has reached the limits of endurance, it is possible to go beyond these limits.
I bow with tremendous respect in front of Alvaro, "Coche" and all the survivors from the tragedy of the Andes. I'm blown away by how friendly and genuine they are - just great, great, human beings. As an individual and an entrepreneur, they thaught me lessons that I hope I will never forget. Viven!
It is important to mention that this excellent event was organised by Endeavor, Latin America's most prestigious network of entrepreneurs, and another wonderful group of people that do a really important job - promoting entrepreneurship in the region.
