A stray dog named Morocho has survived a dramatic ordeal in Chile’s swollen Mapocho River, captivating television audiences across Santiago.

Morocho became trapped on a concrete barrier in the rain-swollen river for more than two hours on Tuesday. Rescue teams including firefighters, municipal personnel and Chile’s GOPE special operations unit attempted five separate rescues.

Each attempt failed as the current swept the dog away. At one point Morocho was carried through dangerous floodgates, and viewers watching live on morning television feared the worst.

Against the odds, the dog managed to swim to the riverbank and escape the floodwater. Rescuers reached him and brought him to safety, to relief across the country.

The Mapocho’s water level had risen sharply after heavy rainfall in the Chilean capital.

Morocho is now recovering under care and waiting for a second chance: a safe, loving home to call his own.

The rescue has made Morocho a national symbol of resilience in Chile, with social media flooded by messages celebrating the stray who refused to give up.