A Brazilian tourist who vanished after falling from a steep cliff near the crater of Mount Rinjani in Indonesia has been found dead, bringing a tragic end to a harrowing four-day search. Juliana Marins, 26, had been hiking with a group on Lombok Island when the incident occurred early Saturday morning.
Marins had been traveling through Southeast Asia, including Thailand and Vietnam, before arriving in Indonesia. On Saturday, she joined five friends and a local guide for a hike up Mount Rinjani, the country’s second-highest volcano, rising 3,726 metres above sea level. The group set off before dawn, around 6:30 a.m. local time, along a narrow and challenging trail that skirts the volcano’s crater.
Initial Fall and Desperate Search
According to local authorities, Marins slipped and fell from a cliff that lines the trail. Fellow hikers reported hearing her screams after the fall, raising hopes that she had survived the initial impact. Drone footage captured later that day appeared to show her alive, sitting and moving in grey volcanic soil, far below the trail. However, rescue teams were unable to reach her due to treacherous conditions, steep drops, and dense fog that limited visibility and hampered the use of thermal drones.
Search and rescue teams immediately launched an operation, deploying around 50 personnel. Rescuers attempted to descend 300 metres to the location where Marins was believed to be, but she was unresponsive to calls. By Sunday, further drone footage revealed that she had moved from her original position, adding to the difficulty of the search. The terrain, combined with unpredictable weather and slippery surfaces, proved too hazardous to continue efforts safely.
Body Located in Deep Ravine
On Monday, rescuers managed to spot Marins again using drones. Unfortunately, she appeared to have fallen even deeper into the ravine, compounding concerns over her condition. Once again, worsening weather forced the operation to halt for the day. The team resumed their efforts early Tuesday morning and finally reached her body after descending approximately 600 metres into the ravine.
Indonesia’s national search and rescue agency confirmed her death in a statement, saying that while the rescue team had reached her remains, adverse weather conditions had prevented immediate recovery. Retrieval efforts were expected to resume early Wednesday morning, depending on weather conditions.
Marins’ family issued a heartbreaking statement on social media:
“With great sadness, we inform you that she did not survive. We remain very grateful for all the prayers, messages of affection, and support that we have received.”
Trail Safety Concerns Raised
The tragic incident has raised questions about safety measures on Mount Rinjani, a popular but challenging destination that attracts thousands of hikers each year. Marins’ family has expressed concern that the trail remained open even after her fall. The volcano has a history of fatal accidents. Just last month, a Malaysian tourist reportedly died during a similar climb.
A friend of Marins, who was part of the hiking group, described the conditions as “very hard,” noting the slippery terrain and low visibility. Experts warn that while Mount Rinjani offers breathtaking views and draws adventure seekers from around the world, it requires a high level of physical fitness, preparation, and awareness of weather conditions that can shift rapidly.
Remembering Juliana
Friends and family remember Juliana Marins as a vibrant and adventurous young woman who embraced life with passion and curiosity. Her social media accounts documented a backpacking journey filled with natural wonders, cultural experiences, and new friendships across Southeast Asia.
Her tragic death has sent shockwaves through Brazil and among the global community of travelers who followed her journey online. Tributes have poured in from around the world, honoring her spirit and mourning the loss of a life taken far too soon.
As the retrieval operation continues, Marins’ family is working with local authorities to bring her home. For many, her story serves as a stark reminder of both the beauty and danger of nature’s most awe-inspiring places.