Rescued after eight days, Venezuelan man's survival attributed to strength and international aid

Hernán Gil has been rescued alive after eight harrowing days trapped beneath the rubble of a collapsed building in Venezuela's La Guaira state. The successful rescue brings an end to a period of intense uncertainty and anguish for his family.

His brother, Gunther Gil, described the ordeal as a "week of much mental struggle, anguish," but expressed profound relief and hope at the outcome. He recounted receiving the news while trying to distract himself, only to be told his brother was safe. "I was obviously holding back, it's tremendous anguish, but in the end, happy too," he said.

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God gave him the necessary strength to resist, to endure, to be there.

Gunther Gil credited his brother's resilience and faith for his survival, stating, "God gave him the necessary strength to resist, to endure, to be there." The family maintained hope throughout the rescue efforts, closely following media coverage.

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From the bottom of my heart, I thank the Chilean rescuers, everyone in general, but especially the Chileans, because I live here in Chile. It is a country where I have been welcomed, a country where I have been able to grow.

Significant gratitude was extended to the international rescue teams involved, with particular thanks directed at the Chilean specialists. "From the bottom of my heart, I thank the Chilean rescuers, everyone in general, but especially the Chileans," Gunther Gil stated, noting his personal connection to Chile as a country that has welcomed him.

Hernán Gil, a security guard, was trapped in his post when earthquakes struck the region on June 24. The complex rescue operation involved approximately a hundred personnel, with Chilean teams working for nearly 72 hours to free him. He is currently in stable condition in intensive care.

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Yesterday my brothers, my sisters-in-law also told me that they had him stabilized, that the Chilean rescuers were making the necessary adjustments, that I really thank them from the bottom of my heart and also others from other countries, but mainly the Chileans who were there believing that it was possible, believing that with their ingenuity and their way of working and knowing the things they had to do to be able to get him out of there.