Mystery over ‘rescue’ of children and baby ‘found alive in Amazon jungle 17 days after plane crash’

18 May 2023, 08:02

A soldier and a dog take part in the search operation for child survivors
A soldier and a dog take part in the search operation for child survivors. Picture: Colombian Air Force Handout

By Asher McShane

Three children and a baby were found alive after 17 days wandering the Colombian Amazon after a plane crash, the country’s president has said.

But military sources in the country sparked confusion when they said the children were not in their custody and their whereabouts was unknown.

Colombian president Gustavo Pedro declared the rescue ‘a joy for the country’ after the siblings - boys aged 11 months, four and nine and their 13-year-old sister were reportedly found alive having survived eating jungle fruit before their rescue yesterday.

Petro’s Tweet remains live this morning, despite no-one knowing their location.

He posted online: "After arduous search efforts by our Military Forces, we have found alive the 4 children who had disappeared due to the plane crash in Guaviare. A joy for the country."

The children were believed to have been found by a boatman and may not yet have been reached by officials.

More than 100 soldiers scoured the jungle where the plane came down. Rescuers found a ‘shelter built in an improvised way with sticks and branches,’ leading them to believe there were survivors.

The children have been named as Lesly Mucutuy, 13, Soleiny Mucutuy, nine, Tien Noriel Ronoque Mucutuy, four, and Cristin Neriman Ranoque Mucutoy, 11-months.

Soldiers found the bodies of the plane’s pilot and two adults who were flying from a jungle location to San Jose del Guaviare on Monday and Tuesday.

The children’s mother, Magdalena Mucutuy Valencia was among the dead.

There was some confusion overnight as neither the Military Forces nor the Civil Aeronautics confirmed the finding, despite President Gustavo Petro announcing the rescue on Twitter. 

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Gunner Beck

Women in Army subjected to 'disgusting' comments from male colleagues amid misogynistic culture, inquest hears

The aircraft can be seen upside down, with its wheels in the air, and the area thick with snow

Emergency crews responding after Delta Airlines flight 'flips over' during landing in Toronto - injuring 15

Paula Miluska had started working from home in November 2022 due to her pregnancy illness

Woman awarded £93k payout after boss fires her for morning sickness by sending jazz hands emoji

c

Britain must take a ‘leading responsibility’ for peace in Ukraine, says PM as he calls for US ‘security guarantee’

Andrew Tate is facing allegations of trafficking of minors, sexual intercourse with a minor and money laundering

Trump team 'pressuring Romania to lift restrictions on Andrew Tate'

Skyrora, a rocket company with its headquarters in Edinburgh

Scottish company promises to blast rockets into space from 2026

A petition calling for major driving licence changes has received almost 100,000 signatures

Petition calls for ban on newly-qualified drivers carrying passengers under 25

The Princess of Wales has shares portraits drawn by her three children during the half-term break.

Princess of Wales shares heartwarming portraits drawn by George, Charlotte and Louis - but who drew who?

Double Olympic champion and Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas will retire from cycling this year.

Tour de France winner and double Olympic champion Geraint Thomas to retire from cycling at end of season

A 13-year-old boy has died and five others have been arrested following  a car crash on A672 Oldham Road.

Boy, 13, dies and five others arrested as Vauxhall Corsa spins off road in horror car crash

Lisa Smith, 43, was named by Kent Police

Pictured: Mother-of-two shot dead at pub on Valentine's Day - as police search river Thames for partner

Julia Wandelt who has claimed to be Madeleine McCann

Woman who claims to be Madeleine McCann releases bombshell new DNA test results

Pope Francis will need to remain in hospital with a respiratory tract infection

Pope to remain in hospital with infection as doctors tackle 'complex clinical picture'

One lucky punter scooped £65m on the EuroMillions

Lucky UK ticket-holder claims £65m Valentine's Day EuroMillions jackpot

A life-drawing class that has been running for over 30 years has been told its models must cover-up or find a new venue.

Models at life drawing class in posh London neighbourhood told to cover up over child 'safeguarding' concerns

Exclusive
An investigation by LBC can reveal there are more than 1.1m homes sitting empty across England - the equivalent of one in every 23.

More than 1.1m homes sitting empty across England as thousands left at risk of homelessness