Rescue attempt of Totalán

The rescue operation in Totalán was a major extraction mission conducted in 2019 to free a child from a deep borehole. The shaft measured only 25 centimeters across and extended approximately 110 meters down through mountainous terrain near Málaga.

In January 2019, a two-year-old child fell into an unmarked borehole while playing, triggering one of the region's largest rescue operations. The mission lasted around two weeks and drew global attention as teams worked with advanced extraction techniques.

The rescue brought together emergency workers, mining professionals, and local residents in a coordinated effort that captured national attention. This collective response showed how a community mobilizes when facing a crisis affecting one of its own.

The site is located in mountainous terrain and requires walking over uneven ground to reach it. Parking is limited near the location, and weather conditions can shift quickly given the elevation.

Rescue teams had to drill a parallel shaft and excavate horizontal tunnels through layers of limestone, shale, and slate to reach the trapped child. The engineering approach combined mining techniques adapted for this specific emergency.

Location: Totalán

GPS coordinates: 36.76406,-4.30438

Latest update: December 17, 2025 10:06