Brazilian tourist who fell into Indonesian volcano found dead after four-day rescue effort
Juliana Marins’ tragic death confirmed after extensive search-and-rescue at Mount Rinjani, highlighting dangers of adventure tourism
Brazilian hiker Juliana Marins, who fell hundreds of meters into Mount Rinjani’s crater, was found dead after nearly four days of exhaustive rescue attempts complicated by harsh conditions.
Brazilian tourist Juliana Marins, 26, who fell into the crater of Indonesia’s Mount Rinjani volcano, has been confirmed dead, ending an intensive, four-day search that had drawn global attention.
Marins was attempting to summit the 3,726-meter volcano on June 21 when she slipped from a ridge, plunging approximately 600 meters (1,968 feet) into the volcanic crater. Despite immediate rescue efforts and international appeals from her family, Indonesian authorities announced that they had located her body late Tuesday, using thermal drone imaging.
Mohammad Syafii, head of Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency, confirmed the discovery, saying, “No signs of life were found.”
Rescue challenges and tragic outcome
The rescue teams faced severe obstacles, including steep terrain, poor visibility, and challenging weather conditions. After locating Marins’ body, rescuers struggled to recover her due to the dangerous terrain. Her body was eventually carried to Sembalun basecamp, with plans to transport her remains to a local hospital on Wednesday.
This tragic ending follows days of uncertainty, during which her family in Brazil, along with millions of concerned Brazilians, closely followed and shared news updates about her condition and the rescue effort.
Adding further distress to Marins’ family, Brazil’s embassy in Jakarta accused Indonesian officials of providing false information early in the rescue. Initially, Indonesian authorities reportedly informed the family that Marins had been located and given food and water shortly after her fall—a claim that Brazil now asserts was fabricated.
Indonesian officials have yet to respond to these accusations publicly.
Family’s gratitude and grief
Marins’ family confirmed her death via Instagram, thanking the many Brazilians who offered support, prayers, and encouragement during the ordeal. Juliana, known for her vibrant life as a dancer and publicist from Niterói near Rio de Janeiro, had been exploring Asia since February. Prior to arriving in Indonesia, she had traveled through the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand.
Mount Rinjani is a popular yet perilous destination. Indonesia’s second-highest volcano, located on Lombok island, regularly draws adventurous tourists seeking its breathtaking views. However, its steep trails and unpredictable weather conditions frequently pose significant risks, even to experienced hikers.
While exploration offers enriching experiences, adequate safety precautions, comprehensive preparation, and responsible guidance remain essential to prevent further losses.
