Mount Rinjani Tragedy: Brazilian Tourist Confirmed Dead After Harrowing Search
Mount Rinjani Tragedy: Brazilian Tourist Confirmed Dead After Harrowing Search
A global community held its breath for days, hoping for a miracle on Indonesia’s perilous Mount Rinjani. Sadly, those hopes were shattered this Tuesday when Brazilian tourist Juliana Marins, 26, was confirmed dead after a tragic fall during a group hike on the active volcano. Her body was finally located by rescue teams following a grueling four-day search, bringing a heartbreaking end to her backpacking adventure across Asia.
Marins, a dancer and publicist from Niterói, Brazil, had been trekking near the crater rim of Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-highest volcano on Lombok island, last Saturday morning when she lost her footing. She plunged an estimated 600 meters down a cliffside. Incredibly, initial reports indicated she survived the fall, with thermal drone footage and mobile phone videos reportedly showing her moving and calling for help from the base of the cliff.
However, successive rescue attempts were severely hampered by the volcano’s treacherous conditions. Dense fog, shifting sands, and steep, unstable terrain made reaching Marins an almost impossible task. Responders who descended hundreds of meters to her suspected location found visibility too poor and the ground too soft and unstable. By Monday, reports suggested she had slipped even further down the ravine, complicating an already dire situation.
The disappearance of the young Brazilian quickly became headline news in her home country, captivating millions. An Instagram account set up by her family to share updates amassed over 1.6 million followers, with messages of support and prayers pouring in. Tensions even arose between Brazilian and Indonesian authorities over communication regarding the rescue efforts, highlighting the intense international focus on the unfolding tragedy.
On Tuesday, after a renewed push, rescuers finally reached Marins at a depth of 600 meters. Mohammad Syafii, head of the National Search and Rescue Agency, confirmed the grim discovery: “Upon checking, there were no signs of life… confirmed she had died.” Her body was recovered and carried by foot to a basecamp, with transport to a police hospital slated for Wednesday, weather permitting.
The Brazilian foreign ministry expressed profound sadness, confirming its embassy’s close cooperation with Indonesian authorities. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva conveyed his condolences, pledging continued support to Marins’ grieving family. In a significant immediate response, Indonesian forestry minister Raja Juli Antoni announced the closure of all hiking routes on Mount Rinjani, both out of respect for Marins and to facilitate ongoing operations.
Mount Rinjani, while renowned for its breathtaking views, has a history of claiming lives. This tragedy follows recent incidents, including the death of a Malaysian climber just weeks prior and a Portuguese hiker in 2022. The mountain’s allure for thrill-seekers is undeniable, but it serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers of such challenging expeditions.
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