Gendarmes find woman lost in Chubut's Cerro 21 amid fog and bad weather

A woman lost in Cerro 21, Chubut, Argentina, was successfully rescued by Gendarmerie officers on Thursday after battling severe weather conditions, including dense fog and low visibility.

The woman, a resident of Esquel, had become disoriented while attempting to descend the mountain, which stands at approximately 2,100 meters above sea level. She was found in a state of shock and suffering from hypothermia, rendering her unable to make her way down the treacherous terrain.

Members of the Specialized Group in High Mountain of the Esquel Squadron 36 "Subalf D. Guillermo Nasif" were alerted to the situation by the Esquel city's Command, Monitoring, and Control Center. The gendarmes immediately launched a search and rescue operation, ascending the mountain despite strong winds and extreme cold.

After an intense search lasting two hours, the gendarmes located the woman using the light from her headlamp. They provided immediate medical stabilization, assessed her injuries, and monitored her vital signs before beginning the descent. The difficult trek down was completed on foot, with the woman eventually being transported by quad bike to the Gendarmerie's base.

Cerro 21 is a popular trekking destination for Esquel residents, offering panoramic views of the urban center and surrounding natural landmarks. However, its medium to high difficulty level, combined with adverse weather, can pose significant risks to hikers.