Digest

This episode of "I Survived" tells the story of Keith Stancell, Mark, and Tom, three American contractors who were taken hostage by FARC guerrillas in Colombia. The episode details their harrowing experience, including the plane crash that led to their capture, the grueling "death march" through the jungle, and their eventual rescue after five and a half years in captivity. After being captured, the men were forced on a 12-16 hour daily march through the jungle, often without food or water. The conditions were brutal, and the men were constantly on edge, fearing for their lives. They were eventually taken to a camp deep in the jungle, where they were kept in small, windowless boxes at night. They were not allowed to speak to each other, but they found ways to communicate through notes written on toilet paper. After eight months in captivity, the men were forced to participate in a "proof of life" video, where they were filmed by their captors. The video was intended to be used as propaganda to pressure the Colombian government to negotiate their release. The men were later moved to a new camp, where they were mixed with other hostages. The camp was a brutal place, with guard towers and chains hanging from the walls. The hostages were able to listen to a radio, which provided their only link with the outside world. After five and a half years in captivity, the men were finally rescued by the Colombian army. The rescue was a daring operation, involving a group of army officers disguised as aid workers. The men were flown out of the jungle in a helicopter, and they were finally free.

Outlines

00:00:48

Hostage in the Colombian Jungle

This episode of "I Survived" tells the story of Keith Stancell, Mark, and Tom, three American contractors who were taken hostage by FARC guerrillas in Colombia. The episode details their harrowing experience, including the plane crash, their capture, the death march, and their eventual rescue after five and a half years in captivity.

00:17:07

The Death March and Life in Captivity

After being captured, the men were forced on a grueling "death march" through the jungle, enduring harsh conditions and constant fear. They were eventually taken to a camp deep in the jungle, where they were kept in small, windowless boxes at night and found ways to communicate through notes.

00:22:11

Proof of Life, A New Camp, and the Rescue

The men were forced to participate in a "proof of life" video after eight months in captivity. They were later moved to a new camp, where they were mixed with other hostages and had access to a radio. After five and a half years in captivity, the men were finally rescued by the Colombian army in a daring operation.

Keywords

Q&A

• What were the circumstances that led to the capture of Keith Stancell, Mark, and Tom?

  The three men were working as contractors for the US military in Colombia, flying aerial surveillance missions in the US-backed anti-drug war. Their plane crashed in an area controlled by FARC guerrillas, and they were taken hostage.

• What were the most challenging aspects of the men's captivity?

  The men faced a number of challenges during their captivity, including the grueling death march, the harsh living conditions in the jungle camps, and the constant fear of being killed. They were also separated from their families and had no way of knowing what was happening in the outside world.

• How were the men eventually rescued?

  The Colombian army orchestrated a daring rescue operation, involving a group of army officers disguised as aid workers. The men were flown out of the jungle in a helicopter, and they were finally free. The rescue was a testament to the skill and determination of the Colombian military.

Show Notes