Juan Martín Crespo found alive after mountain search in Bariloche

Juan Martín Crespo, a 28-year-old mountain refuge worker known as ‘El Chino’, has been found alive and in good health following an intense search operation near Laguna Ilón in Bariloche.

Crespo disappeared on Tuesday while traveling toward a refuge using snowshoes. The search, conducted by the Club Andino Bariloche Relief Commission (CAX), park rangers, and National Parks personnel, was complicated by adverse weather conditions and snowstorm forecasts. He was located on Wednesday morning.

The incident has reignited debates regarding safety protocols for mountain workers within Nahuel Huapi National Park, particularly concerning movement during severe weather. This follows previous tragedies in the region, including the 2022 death of refuge worker Manuel Benítez due to hypothermia.