A 35-year-old Chilean mountaineer died Saturday while descending Calbuco Volcano in southern Chile, prompting a challenging recovery operation in treacherous terrain.
The victim was part of a four-person expedition—three men and one woman—who began their ascent around midnight through the Río Blanco sector, near the Correntoso outpost in the Los Lagos Region. The group reached the summit and engaged in “top rock” climbing without ropes, according to police officials.
Around 4 p.m., three members of the group began their descent. The fourth climber, who later died, followed about 45 minutes later and maintained radio contact with his companions. However, communication abruptly ceased at approximately 6 p.m.
Concerned by the loss of contact, one member of the group retraced his steps and discovered a rockfall in the descent route. Upon closer inspection, he found his companion’s lifeless body among the debris, at an elevation of about 1,500 meters (approximately 4,900 feet) above sea level.
The climber who made the discovery reported the incident to Carabineros at the Correntoso outpost later that evening and into early Sunday morning. The Special Police Operations Group (GOPE) was deployed to initiate recovery efforts in coordination with the National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (SENAPRED).
According to Capt. Héctor Salamanca of the Alerce 6th Police Station in Puerto Montt, the deceased climber had no visible safety equipment at the time of the fall. Rescue teams faced snow- and ice-covered conditions in an area described as difficult to access.
Authorities have since retrieved the body, which will be transferred to the Legal Medical Service (SML) for autopsy to confirm the cause of death.
Officials emphasized the inherent dangers of mountaineering on Calbuco Volcano, which is known for its unpredictable terrain and weather. They urged outdoor enthusiasts to prepare thoroughly, use proper climbing equipment, and respect local safety guidelines.
