Puerto Williams hosts ninth Chapuzón Austral with nearly 400 participants

Around 400 people plunged into the near‑free waters of the Beagle Channel during the ninth Chapuzón Austral in Puerto Williams on Sunday, July 26. The water temperature was about two degrees Celsius, yet participants of all ages entered after a brief warm‑up session despite sub‑zero air temperatures and snow covering the town.

The event was organized by regional councilor José Luis Paredes and supported by the Red Cross, GASCO Magallanes, ferry operator TABSA, Carabineros and the Chilean Navy. Marketing coordinator Claudio Villegas noted GASCO’s ongoing involvement in all nine editions. Visitors arrived from mainland Chilean cities such as Punta Arenas, Puerto Montt and Antofagasta, as well as from Ecuador, Colombia, Paraguay, and other locations. Influencer Darwin Davet, known as "Come Luche," fulfilled his promise to jump into the channel and encouraged future participation.

Organizers thanked local residents, businesses and the broader community for helping make the chilly but festive celebration a success.