- By Supratik Das
- Fri, 04 Jul 2025 09:22 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Juliana Marins, a 26-year-old Brazilian trekker, publicist, and pole dancer, met a tragic death after she fell off a cliff while climbing Mount Rinjani, Indonesia's second-tallest and one of the most active volcanoes. Marins, who arrived in Asia in February, made an emotional goodbye video for her mother before leaving, where she wrote, "Mami, I love you so much. I was heartbroken when we said goodbye." Marins was hiking in a group on June 21 when she slipped and fell about 490 feet down a ravine along the edge of the volcano by accident. Although rescue operations were initiated immediately, dense fog, steep volcanic slopes, and unstable ground highly impeded operations. Drone video later established that Marins had survived her fall, rescuers heard her call for assistance, and saw her crawling on the ground of the volcano. But bad visibility and adverse weather conditions extended any chance of reaching her safely.
The family of the young trekker went online, asking for the authorities to move quicker, with great frustration at the slow rescue and that the trekking trail was still open to other trekkers during the operation. “Juliana is needing help! She has no food, water, or warm clothes for three days!” her sister Marianna Marins posted online. The family also accused the local guide of leaving Juliana behind when she rested.
Difficult Terrain And Harsh Weather Disrupted Search
Indonesian authorities confirmed that search parties were able to descend some 300 meters but were compelled to withdraw because of dense fog and steep slopes. Efforts to find her using thermal drones also did not work out. After being confined to extreme volcanic weather for four days, Marins was discovered dead by Indonesia's Search and Rescue Team. “After four days of labour, hindered by unfavourable weather, terrain, and visibility conditions in the area, teams discovered the body of the Brazilian tourist,” the Brazilian government confirmed in a statement.
Mount Rinjani on Indonesia's island of Lombok is more than 12,000 feet high and is famous among adventure travelers. Yet its steep slope and changeable weather have been fatal for numerous climbers. A Malaysian climber died there last month, while in 2022 a Portuguese hiker died when he fell off a summit cliff. Indonesian authorities justified keeping the trail partially open during the search, saying totally closing it might have created anarchy among climbers who had pre-booked trips. The Brazilian Embassy in Jakarta sent representatives to Lombok to assist with rescue coordination. The Brazilian Foreign Ministry stated it remains in close contact with Indonesian authorities to ensure all possible resources were deployed.
Juliana Marins, who called herself fearless due to her mother's resilience, has left behind a message that reverberates across the globe,“I was raised by a woman who can solve any problem and is not afraid to take the plunge. I am like that too. I love you all very much! And I will always be grateful for all the support, care, and affection. That is what makes me fearless.” Her horrific demise is a reminder of both the stunning elegance and the capricious menace of Indonesia's most famous volcanoes, a wake-up call for thrill-seekers everywhere.