Search Intensifies for Brazilian Hiker Missing on Mount Rinjani**

Brazilian authorities are coordinating efforts to locate Juliana Marins, last seen near Mount Rinjani's crater. Rescuers face difficult terrain and weather, while family members voice concerns over the ongoing hiking activities in the area.**

 

Rescue operations are underway in Indonesia as search teams seek 26-year-old Brazilian tourist Juliana Marins, who went missing after falling while hiking near the crater of Mount Rinjani, an active volcano. Reports from her family indicate that she was part of a hiking group when she disappeared on Saturday around 06:30 local time (23:30 GMT Friday). Local authorities indicate she fell from a cliff adjacent to the volcano's trail.

Efforts to locate Marins have been complicated by treacherous terrain and foggy conditions, hindering progress for rescue teams. Officials from Mount Rinjani stated that rescuers initially heard Marins calling for help and believed she was in shock; however, subsequent attempts to reach her have been fruitless.

On Saturday, video footage captured by fellow hikers and shared through social media emerged, showing Marins alive and moving in a greyish landscape, considerably below the path. Yet, as rescuers attempted to descend 300 meters (984 feet) to aid her, they were unable to locate her once again. By Sunday morning, updated drone footage revealed that she had moved further away from her initial spot, further complicating rescue missions due to thick fog.

By Monday, rescuers momentarily tracked her down, but difficult weather conditions forced the team to retreat, as they were only able to advance 250 meters closer to Marins, leaving a remaining distance of 350 meters to reach her. Family members expressed growing frustration that Mount Rinjani remains open to tourists, despite their pleas for help for Marins, who has reportedly been without water, food, or warm clothing for three days.

Satyawan Pudyatmoko, an official with Indonesia's forestry ministry, explained that the route remains open to minimize chaos for other hikers who made prior arrangements. He stressed the importance of safety while climbing.

The Brazilian foreign ministry has confirmed its engagement with Indonesian officials to ensure that rescue efforts continue, deploying two embassy representatives to assist.

Interviews with two fellow hikers revealed that conditions during the trek were arduous, with one calling the climb "really hard." Concerns linger over the safety of the hikers in light of past incidents where climbers have lost their lives on Mount Rinjani.

As search efforts resume, the family of Juliana Marins remains hopeful for a positive outcome amidst the challenging circumstances surrounding her disappearance. Mount Rinjani stands as Indonesia's second-highest volcano, attracting numerous tourists annually, making the situation all the more urgent for those wanting to locate her.