A rescue operation was conducted yesterday, 24 years after a powerful earthquake that shook San Salvador in 1986. At 13:30 hrs an emergency call was received to help three people missing inside the Boqueron (San Salvador volcano). Some were reported to have fallen while performing tourism tasks. The Unidad de Rescate Rescue team was activated and mobilized. Our rescuers met other SAR team members from red and green cross. Two of the patients were able to crawl out on their own, but one had fallen off a cliff of 75 meters yet fell more than 250 meters into the crater. Rescuing now turned to recovery and volunteers had to climb 300 feet deep inside the crater.
The team was led by engineer Roberto Pacheco, lead commander of the Comandos de Salvamento UDR team. There was only one way to the victim and it was the most challenging and rugged route. The high angle rescue team was called into operation due to the difficult terrain. Upon arrival to the site it was revealed the patient was DOA from injuries sustained from the fall. The recovery started at about 17:15 hrs and ended at 21:15 hrs. CDS thanks all SAR units involved including elite units from the high angle vertical rescue team. This coordinated effort between Red Cross, Green Cross, and Comandos, proves again the demonstrated professionalism that is offered to those in need of help. Congratulations rescuers for a job well done.
