A Brazilian tourist who went missing while climbing the Rinjani volcano in Indonesia was found dead after four days of dramatic searches. Her story has moved millions of people around the world.
A tragic accident on the trail – how did the fall happen?
Juliana Marins, a 26-year-old lover of travel and climbing, began her ascent of the active Rinjani volcano (3,726 m above sea level) on the Indonesian island of Lombok on 21 June. She was accompanied by a guide and five other tourists. Early in the morning, during the climb near the crater, Marins slipped on the steep, slippery slope and fell about 600 metres down the volcano.
According to accounts from members of the expedition, conditions were very difficult – the trail was wet and dangerous, and visibility was limited by thick fog. The situation was made worse by the fact that Mount Rinjani is one of the most difficult and demanding peaks in the region.
The search and a dramatic fight for life
A rescue operation in extreme conditions
- Rescuers heard Marins calling for help as early as Saturday, right after the fall.
- Thermal imaging drones were used to locate the tourist on the volcano’s slope.
- Thick fog and difficult terrain made reaching her almost impossible – the rescue team had to cover a 600-metre cliff and move across unstable, loose ground.
Although drone footage showed Marins alive as late as Saturday, rescuers were unable to reach her in time. Her body was only found on Tuesday, after four days of intensive searches organised by Indonesian rescue services, the army, the police and volunteers.
Key facts about the rescue operation
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 21 June | Juliana Marins falls while climbing Rinjani |
| 22-24 June | Intensive searches using drones and SAR teams |
| 25 June | Body located and evacuated by rescuers |
Reactions in Brazil and questions about safety
Juliana Marins’s tragedy caused an enormous stir in Brazil. Millions of people followed reports of the rescue operation, and social media was flooded with appeals for faster action and support for the family. Criticism of Indonesian rescue services also appeared online, with complaints of a slow response and inadequate equipment for operating in such difficult terrain.
Marins’s family stressed that rescuers could have reached her sooner had the operation been better coordinated. The case has sparked a debate about safety standards on popular trekking routes in Indonesia and the need for better rescue procedures for tourists.
What to know before heading up a volcano?
The accident involving Juliana Marins is a warning to all lovers of mountains and trekking:
- Always choose a trusted guide and make sure the trail is suitable for your experience.
- Check the weather forecast and conditions on the route – thick fog and slippery ground can be fatally dangerous.
- Remember to carry proper equipment and a means of communication – a satellite phone or GPS locator can save your life.
The story of the Brazilian climber shows how thin the line is between adventure and tragedy – and how important caution and good preparation are, especially in extreme conditions.
