Claudio Lucero and his controversial theory about the Andes survivors

• Mountaineer Claudio Lucero criticizes the Andes survivors.
• He was a volunteer rescuer in Chile.
• Reactions on social media.

Many see the Andes survivors as heroes for fighting for their lives for over two months in the worst possible conditions.

However, Chilean mountaineer Claudio Lucero disagrees and has even harshly criticized them.

Amid the release of Society of the Snow on Netflix, his controversial statement has resurfaced.

Claudio Lucero, one of the men who helped rescue the 16 survivors, questioned why the young people waited for 72 days to leave.

Learn more about Claudio Lucero

Claudio Lucero Martínez was born in the Chilean city of Iquique on March 19, 1933. In a few weeks, he will turn 91.

This renowned climber and mountaineer founded the National Mountain School and took part in expeditions to some of the world’s most important peaks.

He is said to have the highest number of high mountain ascents in Chile, although there is no official record to confirm this.

As mentioned earlier, he helped rescue the Andes survivors as well as transporting the deceased.

‘I have my own version of that story’

In an interview for Mentiras Verdaderas, available on La Red’s YouTube channel, Claudio Lucero expressed his controversial views.

«I have my own version of that story (referring to the rescue of the Andes survivors). For me, they were not heroes,» he said.

Without wasting much time, the Chilean mountaineer commented that people never questioned their stories and just believed them.

«Why did they wait for 72 days to leave? How is it possible that in a group of young, intelligent, physically fit guys, no one rebelled…?»

Mountaineer lashes out at the Andes survivors

Additionally, Claudio Lucero gave the example of a little dog he takes to the mountain, saying that he would have known to descend on his own.

«Why did they climb a hill? Why didn’t they descend? It didn’t fall in winter. It fell in October, in spring,» he said.

The former physical education teacher also stated that if the young people had come down earlier, no one would remember them.

«The accident happened, and someone maliciously said, ‘What if we stay?'» said Claudio Lucero, surprising the program’s host.

He believes they stayed on the mountain intentionally

In another part of this conversation, which has sparked intense reactions, Claudio Lucero had more to say about the Andes survivors.

«The human being has a dose of cannibalism, and if we don’t do it, it’s due to culture… They had the same behavior as the cannibals of lost islands.»

Before concluding his remarks, he said that the Uruguayan youths achieved the success they had planned.

«To this day, their books have been sold in all languages, their movies, of course, achieved success…,» he said.

His statements were controversial on social media

It didn’t take long for social media users to react to Claudio Lucero’s statements about the Andes survivors.

«Since he claims to be a rescuer and participated in the search, I understand everything. He seems terribly resentful,» commented one internet user.

Another person said that it was tough and sad to hear him say these things, apparently based on his resentment and envy.

«All the achievements he has are stained by a lack of humanity and empathy.» To watch the full interview with Claudio Lucero click HERE.