Five plane crash passengers miraculously survived 36 hours in an alligator-infested swamp in Bolivia.

The aircraft was traveling from Baures to the north-central city of Trinidad when it experienced an engine failure and was forced to make an emergency landing on Wednesday, April 30.

The pilot managed to report technical problems before all contact with the aircraft was lost around 1 pm.

Five individuals, including three women, a child, and the pilot, remained atop the plane. They were spotted by local fishermen on Friday, having been missing for 48 hours.

Andres Velarde, the 29-year-old pilot of the single-engine aircraft, told local media that the small plane suddenly began to lose altitude.

He added: 'We were surrounded by alligators that came within three metres of us.'

Andres believed the petrol leaking from the plane had kept the beasts at bay. They also reportedly saw an anaconda in the water.

An incident report from the Aviation Safety Network stated: 'A Cessna 172M Skyhawk carrying five occupants got crashed between 107 kilometres from Trinidad. The five occupants found alive 48 hours after the crash. The condition of the plane is unknown.'

Dramatic footage shows the anglers and emergency responders assisting the distressed passengers and pilot, helping them board a small boat. They were then flown to the hospital by helicopter.

Bolivia, like much of Central and South America, is home to caimans, relatives of alligators that inhabit the region's swamps and rivers. These reptiles are known for their aggressive nature and powerful jaws, which can pose a serious threat to anyone in their territory.