MIAMI, FL – South Florida search-and-rescue teams are being hailed as heroes after successfully freeing a man who survived for eight days without food or water beneath rubble in Venezuela.
A Miraculous Survival
The survivor, identified as Flores Gil, was rescued following a grueling international effort. His wife expressed her gratitude, stating he “held on like a warrior” during the eight-day ordeal before help arrived.
The official rescue operation began at 10:00 a.m. Monday, involving a team of about 100 international rescuers from Chile, the United States, Portugal, Costa Rica, and El Salvador. Teams maintained constant communication with Gil, feeding him water and medication through the debris while working to free him.
Miami Task Force Leads The Effort
Among the primary responders were members of Florida Task Force 2 (FL-TF2), led by the City of Miami Fire Rescue Department. Alongside them, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue’s Urban Search and Rescue team deployed specially trained search dogs to pinpoint victims in complex structural collapses.
According to Miami officials, the specialized team worked continuously for more than 53 hours. They utilized advanced technology, concrete-cutting equipment, and structural engineers to safely pull Gil from the wreckage.
From Surfside to International Missions
For the families of the local rescuers, the high-stakes mission brings immense pride. Ariana D’Armas, daughter of veteran Miami firefighter Eric D’Armas, noted that her father’s past experience responding to the tragic Surfside condominium collapse prepared him for the intense conditions in Venezuela.
Miami Mayor Eileen Higgins confirmed the teams deployed to Venezuela as part of a humanitarian mission requested by the U.S. Department of State. “Today, all of Miami has a reason to be proud,” Higgins said, emphasizing what humanity can accomplish through cooperation.
