Ep 8. Flight 571: Acceptable Face of Cannibalism (1972)

In the eighth episode of Crimes That Made History season 1, titled Flight 571: Acceptable Face of Cannibalism (1972), viewers are taken back to a tragic and harrowing incident that occurred in the Andes mountains in 1972. On October 13th of that year, a Uruguayan rugby team and their families were flying to Chile for a match when their plane crashed into the mountains, killing several passengers on impact.

The survivors found themselves stranded in the unforgiving and isolated terrain, without food, water, or any means of getting help. As the days wore on, they realized that no rescue was coming, and they were forced to make difficult decisions in order to stay alive. With no other sources of food, they turned to the unthinkable - consuming the flesh of their deceased comrades.

The episode explores the psychological toll that this decision took on the survivors, as they struggled to reconcile their actions with their religious and moral beliefs. They faced harsh backlash from the media and the outside world, who viewed their actions as cannibalistic and inhumane. However, the survivors maintained that their actions were necessary to stay alive and protect their group.

The episode also sheds light on the rescue efforts made by the survivors themselves, who used their limited resources to create a makeshift radio and contact a search party after two months in the wilderness. The story of their survival captivated the world, and their bravery and resilience in the face of insurmountable odds have inspired generations since.

Overall, Flight 571: Acceptable Face of Cannibalism (1972) is a powerful and thought-provoking episode that delves into the human psyche and the lengths people will go to survive. It is a testament to the human spirit, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope and perseverance can prevail.