22/07/2026 15:39 - Sociales
In the midst of the most intense polar wave of the year striking the southern province of Santa Cruz, a story of survival has captivated the nation. José Guillermo Bilbao (59 years old) and his partner, Noelia Gissella Siares, were rescued safe and sound after spending 44 hours trapped inside their Toyota Hilux truck, enduring temperatures plunging to -22°C.
The incident occurred in the vicinity of Cerro Piedra, near Provincial Route 43. On Saturday, July 18, 2026, the couple left their rural property heading to the nearest town to fetch food and fodder for their animals, anticipating adverse weather. Finding the main road blocked by snow, they decided to take an alternative route. However, just seven kilometers in, their vehicle became firmly stuck in a calafate bush (a thorny shrub typical of the Patagonian steppe).
Without solid food and equipped only with water, José and Noelia's primary concern was running out of fuel. To keep the heating running without draining the tank, they turned the engine on in short intervals. By the time they were rescued, they had barely a quarter of a tank left. Although the truck's internal temperature dropped to -17°C during the night, they never lost hope or their calm.
An internet connection via Starlink was crucial for the couple to maintain constant communication with their relatives, who coordinated the rescue efforts with local authorities. While waiting, they even listened to the 2026 World Cup final on the radio.
After several failed attempts by the Provincial Highway Department (Vialidad Provincial) due to the harsh terrain conditions, a joint task force managed to reach them. On Monday, July 20, 2026, at 4:30 AM, a snowplow that departed from Las Heras and cleared the road throughout the early morning, followed by trucks from the National Gendarmerie, the Highway Department, the GOER (Rural Operations Group), and the oil company Roch, finally reached the vehicle, which was frozen to the ground by frost.
Despite spending nearly two days exposed to extreme conditions, José and Noelia were found in good health and did not require urgent medical attention.
Although the couple is safe, the blizzard has left severe consequences for their livestock. They have 250 sheep and 15 horses that were left exposed to the heavy snowfall, and José fears for the animal losses in the Copolque Mapuche-Tehuelche community.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
