A young Brazilian woman, Juliana Marins, tragically perished after falling hundreds of meters from the ridge of Mount Rinjani, an active volcano in Indonesia. Her body was discovered on Tuesday, nearly four days after the incident, as confirmed by Brazil’s government. The news captured the attention of millions in Brazil, who had followed her story and prayerfully awaited updates during the extensive rescue operation.
The 26-year-old began her ascent of the 3,726-meter (12,224-foot) summit on June 21 with a guide and five fellow travelers before she slipped and fell approximately 600 meters (1,968 feet), according to Indonesian officials. “No signs of life were found,” stated Mohammad Syafii, the head of Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency.
Marins’ family confirmed her death. Rescue teams reported locating her body next to a crater using a thermal drone after days of intensive searching hampered by harsh weather conditions and challenging terrain. The evacuation process faced further delays due to limited visibility, with rescuers eventually transporting her remains to Sembalun basecamp and awaiting transport to a police hospital on Wednesday.
Brazil’s Foreign Ministry expressed condolences, labeling her death a tragedy, and noted that the embassy in Jakarta had been coordinating rescue efforts with Indonesian authorities. The unfolding situation captivated Brazil, with widespread media coverage and public concern for her safety.
Authorities have not disclosed the exact time of her death. Adding to the turmoil, Brazil’s embassy in Jakarta accused the Indonesian government of misleading Marins’ family by claiming she had been found and received food and water shortly after her fall. There has yet to be an official response to these accusations from the Indonesian government.
Located east of Jakarta and adjacent to Bali, Lombok is home to Mount Rinjani, a favored spot for trekkers. Marins’ family expressed gratitude to the many Brazilians who offered prayers during her ordeal. A dancer by profession, she lived in Niteroi, near Rio de Janeiro, and had been traveling through Asia since February, with previous stops in the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand.