A 26-year-old Brazilian tourist, Juliana Marins, has been found dead after falling hundreds of meters from the ridge of Mount Rinjani, an active volcano in Indonesia.
Marins was trekking with a guide and five other foreigners on June 21 when she fell approximately 600 meters. Despite a four-day search effort, Marins’ body was finally located using a thermal drone.
The Indonesian rescue team faced extremely harsh terrain and weather conditions, which delayed the evacuation process. “No signs of life were found,” said Mohammad Syafii, head of Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency. The rescue team climbed carrying Marins’ body to Sembalun basecamp but would have to wait until Wednesday for transport to a police hospital.
The Brazilian embassy in Jakarta accused the Indonesian government of fabricating Marins’ rescue and misinforming her family that she had been located and given food and water just hours after her fall. There was no immediate response from the Indonesian government on that claim.
Marins’ family in Brazil confirmed her death and thanked the many Brazilians who had prayed for their daughter’s safety. In an Instagram post, they expressed their gratitude, saying, “We want to thank all the people who prayed for Juliana’s safety.” Marins, a dancer who lived in Niteroi, outside Rio de Janeiro, had been traveling across Asia since February.
Mount Rinjani, the country’s second-tallest peak, is a popular destination for trekkers. The volcano’s challenging terrain and unpredictable weather make it a formidable climb. Marins’ death highlights the risks involved in adventure tourism and the importance of careful planning and preparation.
The Indonesian authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding Marins’ death. The incident has raised questions about the safety measures in place for tourists and the need for more stringent regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.