In a dramatic turn of events, the family of renowned artist Marité Berbel found themselves stranded on the Río Negro side of the Limay River after a leisurely afternoon walk turned perilous as night fell. Municipal undersecretary of Citizen Protection, Francisco Baggio, reported that the family became disoriented and unable to navigate their way back to Neuquén, prompting a rescue operation. This incident highlights a growing concern as similar situations have been noted during the early days of the 2025 summer season, with many visitors crossing the river only to struggle with the return journey in the dark.
In a dramatic rescue operation on the Rio Negro, lifeguards and the Naval Prefecture swiftly responded to a call for help from the relatives of Marité Berbel, who went missing in the Green Island area.Despite their shift ending at 9 p.m., the lifeguards remained on-site and were able to mobilize quickly, utilizing six lifeguards, two canoes, and a rescue board to assist those stranded. The operation, which lasted three hours and concluded after 11 p.m., highlights the dedication of emergency services in ensuring safety along the river.
Q&A: Insights on the recent Stranding Incident Involving Marité Berbel’s Family on the Río Negro
Editor: Thank you for joining us today to discuss a concerning incident involving the family of renowned artist Marité Berbel. As summer begins, we are seeing alarming trends of visitors becoming stranded near the Limay River. Can you provide a brief overview of what happened?
Expert: Absolutely. Recently, Marité Berbel’s family found themselves in a precarious situation after taking a leisurely walk on the Río Negro side of the Limay River. As night fell, they became disoriented and unable to find their way back to Neuquén, prompting a rescue operation led by local authorities, including the Municipal Undersecretary of citizen Protection, Francisco Baggio [3[3].
Editor: It sounds like a chaotic situation.What measures were taken to ensure their rescue, and how effective were the emergency services in handling this incident?
Expert: The response from lifeguards and the Naval Prefecture was commendable. Despite their shifts concluding at 9 p.m., they remained on-site and were able to mobilize quickly. Six lifeguards, two canoes, and a rescue board were utilized in the operation, wich lasted three hours and ended after 11 p.m. The dedication exhibited by these emergency responders is crucial, especially during a time when similar situations have been reported frequently as visitors navigate the riverside areas [3[3].
Editor: Given the rising number of similar incidents, what best practices or tips can you offer to those planning to visit these natural areas, especially as the summer season progresses?
Expert: It is vital for visitors to plan their outings carefully. Here are some tips:
- Stay Informed: Before embarking on a walk or outing, check local advisories for conditions that may affect safety.
- Time Management: Ensure that you have enough time to return before darkness falls. Dusk can come quickly in natural settings.
- Bring Navigation Aids: Utilizing GPS devices, maps, or even simple landmarks can definitely help in navigating back.
- Emergency Contacts: Always carry a phone and make sure someone knows your plans. In case of emergency, it’s crucial to be able to contact the authorities [2[2].
Editor: That’s excellent advice. As we reflect on this incident, what broader implications does it have for tourism and safety in natural areas like the Limay River?
Expert: This incident serves as a wake-up call for both authorities and visitors. With rising tourism in these regions, it is imperative to enhance safety measures, including improved signage, regular patrols by emergency services, and educational campaigns about the risks involved with these outdoor activities. Emphasizing safety can ensure that everyone enjoys these stunning areas without incident [3[3].
Editor: Thank you for these insights. It’s clear that with careful planning and responsive emergency services, we can better enjoy and navigate the stunning landscapes around the Limay River while prioritizing safety.