The body of Paolo Millalonco Díaz, a 19-year-old, was found this afternoon in Lake Llanquihue, Puerto Varas, after he went missing on Thursday while practicing stand up paddle with his younger brother. The search operation involved multiple rescue teams and ended with the discovery at 30 meters depth.
Paolo Millalonco Díaz, 19 years old, fell into Lake Llanquihue around 18:20 on Thursday in the Ensenada sector, Puerto Varas commune, while practicing stand up paddle with his 11-year-old brother. The accident happened in an area not designated for water activities, under adverse weather conditions and strong waves, causing the board to capsize.
Puerto Varas Port Captaincy was alerted immediately, managing to rescue the minor without vital risk. However, the older youth was not located at the site, prompting a broad search operation coordinated by the Maritime Police and the Chilean Navy. This involved land teams, a maritime unit, a naval helicopter, and specialist divers from the Puerto Montt Maritime Governorate. Firefighters, Carabineros, and volunteers from Puerto Varas Lifeboat also participated, covering various points in the area.
The body was spotted and recovered around 15:30 this afternoon, at about 30 meters depth and roughly 100 meters from the shore. This discovery ends an intense search that lasted more than a day in the lake's waters.