A British woman has been identified as one of five hikers who tragically lost their lives in a violent wind and snowstorm at a national park.
The group was caught in gusts exceeding 120mph and heavy snowfall on Monday (November 17). The British victim has been named as Victoria Bond.
The other casualties were identified as Mexican nationals Cristina Calvillo Tovar and Julian García Pimentel, and German nationals Nadine Lichey and Andreas Von Pein. They were trekking the Paine Massif Circuit – also known as the O Circuit – in Torres del Paine, Chile, when the weather took a turn for the worse.
(Image: Instagram)
The emergency situation came to light when visitor Arab Ginnett posted on social media: “We are at Los Perros camp in Torres del Paine.
“People climbed the John Gardner earlier today, and the weather has turned very bad. We are snowed in, and people are still out on the pass. Very strong wind >120 mph.
“They left at 6 am this morning. We have sent out 20–25 people to rescue those still missing. We believe at least five people haven’t been found, one is being rescued now, but she is very unresponsive.
“They are on the side between Los Perros and the top of the pass. We need urgent help – climbers and rescuers run the risk of dying based on our current situation.”
(Image: Instagram)
According to her social media profile, Victoria worked in PR for the Isles of Scilly Tourist Information Centre and was also involved in Cornwall’s Roseland Festival.
A video shared by her mate Christian on Sunday (November 16) captures the ups and downs of their inaugural day on the trek, as reported by NeedToKnow.
He penned: “Day 1 of the Patagonia O-Trek: also known as 15km of why the f*** did I fly 8,000 km when I could’ve walked around Bodmin Moor in a light drizzle?”.
“It p***ed it down from the first step, the trail rebranded itself as an Amazon tributary, and at one point, I’m fairly certain I saw a trout overtake me. Five river crossings and only one bloody bridge. Should’ve brought a canoe and a priest.
“Morale at an all-time low… and THEN the skies suddenly cleared, the valley cracked open like a tin of peaches, and we stumbled into camp with trench foot.”
(Image: CHILE’S CARABINEROS/AFP via Gett)
Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font paid tribute to the “tireless” search and rescue teams, who worked amid “intense” snowfall and winds reaching 118mph.
“To the families, friends, and loved ones of the five individuals of Mexican, German, and British nationalities who tragically lost their lives in the incident that occurred in Torres del Paine, I extend my deepest condolences,” he said in a post on X.
“Know that you have the full support and collaboration of Chilean authorities and institutions during these difficult times.”
A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of a British woman who has died following an incident in Chile and are in contact with the local authorities.”