# Search and rescue operations in South America

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/search-and-rescue-operations-in-south-america
> Updated: 2026-09-21T14:47:40.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 2.

Search and rescue operations involving missing persons and medical emergencies have been reported across several South American nations.

In Argentina and Chile, maritime authorities have conducted aeroevacuations for crew members on merchant and fishing vessels experiencing medical distress. Argentine authorities also managed searches for kayakers lost in adverse weather and a missing individual in San Luis, while one person was successfully located near the Río Negro.

In Uruguay and Chile, efforts have focused on locating specific missing persons. Uruguayan authorities are seeking assistance to find a man last seen in San Carlos, while specialized police units in Osorno, Chile, are utilizing drones and underwater techniques to search for a man missing since August near the Rahue River.

## Claims

- The Public Prosecutor's Office is investigating a prior case involving injuries in a context of gender-based violence reported by the man's partner. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Rodrigo Mariano Soto was found alive in good health. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Soto's vehicle was found abandoned near Cueva del León and Isla Jordán. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The search operation included land and river searches by local units, canine divisions, and the Argentine Naval Prefecture. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-21: Authorities conduct searches for missing persons in Uruguay and Chile

Police in Uruguay and Chile are conducting search operations for two missing men: Elías Cánova Silvera in San Carlos and Jonathan Zumelzu Garay near the Rahue River in Osorno.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/authorities-conduct-searches-for-missing-persons-in-uruguay-and-chile

### 2026-09-20: South American authorities conduct multiple search and rescue operations

Emergency services in Argentina and Chile are conducting multiple search and rescue operations, including maritime medical evacuations and land-based searches for missing persons.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cipolletti-missing-man-rodrigo-soto-found-alive

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Cite as: Search and rescue operations in South America. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/search-and-rescue-operations-in-south-america