Video of Failed Aconcagua Rescue Stirs Controversy

Text by Tetsuhiko Endo

Prosecutors in Buenos Aires, Argentina, are investigating the failed rescue attempt of 31-yea-old climber Federico Campanini on 22,841-foot Aconcagua after a video surfaced of his would-be rescuers apparently standing around doing very little while Campanini lay close to death. The video, which has aired repeatedly on Argentine national television and has nearly 300,000 views on YouTube, has ignited a fire storm of controversy surrounding possible negligence, responsibility, and rescue ethics on one of South America’s most iconic climbs. 

Although circumstances remain hazy, the AP reports that the entire effort lasted 30 hours. In order to reach the altitude at which the video was shot, the volunteer rescuers had to climb in one day what usually takes three to four. The air temperature was -58 degrees Fahrenheit.
Check back for updates on this controversy.