Rescue teams in Indonesia are actively searching for 26-year-old Brazilian tourist Juliana Marins, who went missing during a hike near the crater of Mount Rinjani, an active volcano. Marins, who was hiking with a group, disappeared around 6:30 AM local time on Saturday after falling from a cliff that borders the trail adjacent to the volcano’s crater.
Efforts to locate her have been hindered by difficult terrain and poor weather conditions, including thick fog. Despite these challenges, park authorities reported that rescuers heard Marins’s cries for help on Saturday. She was reportedly in shock but alive when rescue teams first identified her location, sitting in grey soil below a hiking trail. Drone footage circulating in media confirmed that she was indeed moving and responding.
However, after descending 300 meters to reach her, rescuers were unable to locate Marins. By Sunday morning, aerial images indicated that she had moved from the original site, leading authorities to suggest she might have fallen further. On Monday, rescuers found her again, but harsh weather conditions forced them to halt operations, leaving Marins in peril for over three days without essentials like food, water, or warm clothing.
Marins’s family expressed frustration over the park remaining open to tourists while their loved one is stranded. They noted that the rescue team had made only limited progress from their latest position, raising concerns for her well-being.
In interviews, fellow hikers described the conditions as notably challenging, with tough terrain made even more treacherous due to early morning cold and limited visibility. The Brazilian foreign ministry has confirmed its coordination with the Indonesian government, dispatching embassy personnel to assist in the rescue efforts.
Mount Rinjani, Indonesia's second tallest volcano, is known for its breathtaking views but has also been the site of fatalities in the past. The Indonesian forestry ministry is urging climbers to prioritize safety while navigating the popular hiking destination.