**Rescue Mission Concludes with Dramatic Return of Influencer and Friend After 20 Hours at Sea**
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Luciana Dangond, a 20-year-old social media influencer, and her friend Gerónimo Ibarra, aged 18, were rescued near the Rosario Islands in Colombia on June 29. The duo had been missing for approximately 20 hours after their rented jet skis malfunctioned off the coast of Punta Barú.
Local news outlet Blu Radio reported that the pair was last seen on June 28 at around 2:30 p.m. when they rented the jet skis. The Colombian Navy confirmed that a significant search and rescue mission was launched by concerned family members after the pair failed to return. This extensive effort involved three naval ships, a maritime patrol aircraft, a helicopter, and rapid response units from the Coast Guard.
Mayor Dumek Turbay of Cartagena took to social media to announce their safe recovery. “Thank God Gerónimo Ibarra and Luciana Dangond have appeared safe and sound,” he wrote in an official statement, expressing gratitude to the Barú community for their immediate mobilisation and support in the search efforts. “It was fundamental in finding them,” he remarked, highlighting the importance of community action in times of crisis.
Once they were located around 11 a.m. on June 29, both individuals were reported to be in stable condition and received medical attention. Dangond, who boasts a social media following of over 40,000, and Ibarra vividly recalled their traumatic experience upon their rescue, shedding light on moments filled with fear and desperation.
The pair shared that their jet skis had stopped functioning about two kilometres from the shore, leaving them adrift in the water. Initially considering swimming back, they soon realised the strong currents were pulling them further away from safety. As darkness fell, they spotted police boats and helicopters, but their calls for help went unanswered.
In a poignant moment, Ibarra recounted the exhaustion they felt around midnight when they decided to huddle together in their life jackets to conserve body heat. Intriguingly, a terrified Dangond expressed that at one point, she genuinely believed they might not survive. “There was a point where I said, ‘We’re going to die. This is the end for us,’” she shared in an interview after their ordeal.
Adding to their dire situation, neither of them had a mobile phone on them, which left them unable to communicate for assistance. Reflecting on the life-altering experience, Dangond stated, “It really changes your mindset. Honestly, I felt like I was being born again.”
Following the incident, she took to her Instagram Stories to share her gratitude and insights. “God sustained me when no one else could,” she wrote, urging her followers to adopt a more empathetic mindset. “I hope we can choose empathy over hate. May the heart weigh more than judgement and humanity more than words,” she added.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of water activities and underscores the importance of safety precautions. Dangond and Ibarra’s experience has garnered considerable attention online, resonating with many who feared for their safety during the tense hours of searching.
As both of them recuperate from the physical and emotional toll of their harrowing experience, it is hoped that their story will encourage a greater conversation about safety while enjoying water sports, especially for those venturing out on rental equipment. The resilience they displayed during a frightening ordeal offers encouragement to others who might find themselves in similar predicaments.