A British woman described as being on the 'trip of a lifetime' has been killed alongside four other tourists after being caught in a devastating snowstorm in Chilean Patagonia.
The Fatal Expedition
Victoria Bond, from Cornwall, was named as one of the five individuals whose bodies were recovered by search teams inside the renowned Torres del Paine National Park. The group was hiking through Chile and Argentina when they were struck by a freak snowstorm with winds reaching nearly 120mph.
A major rescue operation was launched by Chilean national authorities, with rescuers battling the perilous conditions. The search concluded with the recovery of five bodies, including Ms Bond, two German nationals, and two Mexican nationals. Four other individuals were found alive during the extensive operation.
A Life Full of Passion
Ms Bond's employers at Visit Isles of Scilly, where she served as Head of Public Relations for over six years, issued a heartbreaking statement confirming her death. They described her as a 'dear and much-loved friend and colleague'.
The statement highlighted her vibrant personality, saying: 'She was always full of charisma, charm and had an amazing passion for life and Scilly. Her can do, never say no attitude and infectious laugh were adored by all who knew her.'
Andrew Sells, Chair of Visit Isles of Scilly, paid tribute, stating that Victoria was a 'joy to work with' and had worked 'tirelessly to promote the Isles of Scilly'. Euan Rodger, the organisation's Executive Vice Chair, added that the team was 'heartbroken' and that her dedication and spirit would be greatly missed.
Aftermath and Repatriation Efforts
With the search operation now concluded, efforts are focused on repatriating the victims' bodies to their home nations. A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) confirmed they are supporting Ms Bond's family.
Gabriel Boric Font, the President of Chile, expressed his deepest condolences to the families of those lost in the tragic accident via a post on X (formerly Twitter). He pledged the 'full support and collaboration of Chilean authorities' during this difficult time.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the sudden and dangerous weather changes that can occur in the Patagonia region, even for experienced hikers on well-planned trips.
