Rescuers in Indonesia are engaged in a frantic search for Juliana Marins, a 26-year-old Brazilian tourist who went missing while hiking near the summit of Mount Rinjani, an active volcano famous for its challenging trails and scenic views. Marins, who was hiking with a group, reportedly fell into a ravine around 6:30 AM local time on Saturday, raising alarms for both her family and Brazilian authorities.
Reports from Brazilian media indicate that Marins's descent occurred from a cliff adjacent to the volcano's crater, a location notorious for its steep drops. Authorities have faced significant challenges in their rescue efforts due to the rough terrain and low visibility caused by fog. Despite these complications, Mount Rinjani park officials reported that rescuers initially heard Marins calling out for help after her fall. She was reportedly in shock but appeared to be alive at that moment.
Over the weekend, drone footage surfaced, showing Marins attempting to move on the ground in an area covered in gray soil, located far beneath the hiking path. However, as rescuers descended approximately 300 meters to reach her location, they were unable to find her later that same day. By early Sunday morning, it was revealed that she had vanished from the identified spot, complicating the search efforts.
Continuing adverse weather conditions have also thwarted search operations, with officials stating that they have struggled to utilize thermal drones effectively. By Monday, rescuers managed to locate Marins again but reported that she had fallen even further down the slope. The family indicated on social media that the search team had covered only 250 meters of the total distance needed to reach her, with 350 meters left to traverse. Their urgent pleas for help included concerns about Marins's lack of food, water, and warm clothing as time passed.
The challenging conditions of the climb were echoed in interviews with other hikers from Marins's group, who described the hike as grueling and treacherous, with poor visibility and a steep path. The Brazilian foreign ministry is actively engaged with Indonesian officials regarding the situation, sending embassy personnel to aid in the ongoing rescue efforts.
Mount Rinjani is the second-largest volcano in Indonesia, standing at over 3,700 meters, and has gained popularity among tourists looking for adventure despite the inherent risks involved. Past incidents on the mountain have highlighted the need for hikers to prioritize safety when navigating its demanding trails.
