Brazilian Tourist's Tragic Fall on Mount Rinjani
After a grueling four-day search, rescuers in Indonesia confirmed the death of 26-year-old Brazilian tourist Juliana Marins, who fell nearly 600 meters from the rugged ridge of Mount Rinjani, an active volcano on Lombok island. The news has deeply saddened millions in Brazil who followed the rescue efforts with hope and prayers.
The Harrowing Incident
Marins, a dancer from Niterói near Rio de Janeiro, was trekking solo across Asia and had joined a group aiming to summit the 3,726-meter (12,224-foot) volcano on June 21. During the climb, she slipped and plunged into a steep crater on the mountain, triggering an intense search and rescue mission.
Challenges Faced by Rescue Teams
Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency encountered extreme terrain and unfavorable weather, which complicated efforts to locate and evacuate Marins. Her body was ultimately found near the crater by a thermal drone, but rescuers could not immediately transport her, having to carry her on foot to the basecamp at Sembalun. The transfer to a police hospital was scheduled for the following day.
Official Responses and Family Reaction
The Brazilian Foreign Ministry called Marins' death a “tragedy,” commending the embassy in Jakarta for coordinating closely with Indonesian authorities during the rescue operation. However, tensions surfaced as the embassy accused Indonesian officials of providing misleading information to the family, claiming that Marins had been found alive and given food and water shortly after the fall—a report later proven inaccurate. No official Indonesian response has been issued regarding these allegations.
Mount Rinjani: A Challenging Trekking Destination
The volcano, Indonesia’s second-highest peak and located east of the resort island of Bali, attracts numerous hikers and tourists yearly. Its steep and unpredictable terrain, however, can pose serious risks for unprepared climbers.
Remembering Juliana Marins
Marins’ family expressed their gratitude on social media for the overwhelming support and prayers they received from the Brazilian public during this difficult time. Prior to Indonesia, Marins had traveled through the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand, documenting a vibrant solo journey across Asia.
