The body of Brazilian tourist Juliana Marins was found near a crater using the thermal drone technology after four days of relentless searches.
Rescue teams in Indonesia have recovered the body of Juliana Marins, a 27-year-old Brazilian hiker who died after falling from a cliff while trekking Mount Rinjani, the country’s second-highest volcano.
Marins had been hiking with five friends on Saturday when she slipped and fell from the 3,726-meter (12,224-foot) mountain, located in West Nusa Tenggara province.
Poor Weather Delays Recovery
Search and rescue officials confirmed that Marins’ body was located on Tuesday near a crater, but poor weather and treacherous terrain delayed recovery efforts. Thick fog and steep cliffs prevented rescuers from using helicopters, which had initially been considered for evacuation.
“We had to carry out the evacuation manually using stretchers, which took a long time due to the dangerous and difficult route,” said Mohammad Syafii, head of Indonesia’s Search and Rescue Agency.
Six-Hour Retrieval Operation
Rescuers used thermal drone technology to pinpoint her location after four days of searching. It took over six hours to retrieve the body from the cliff and carry it down to safety. Footage released by the rescue agency shows teams navigating ropes and dense fog to lift the body onto a stretcher before it was taken to a local hospital by ambulance.
Syafii added that Marins’ family was present during the recovery and had been briefed about the operation. “They can accept the situation,” he said.
Mount Rinjani: A Popular But Dangerous Destination
Mount Rinjani is an active volcano and a major hiking attraction in Indonesia. However, the climb is known for its challenging paths and unpredictable weather. Local media reports note that several hikers — both domestic and international — have died on the mountain in recent years. Just last month, a Malaysian tourist died in a similar fall.
Despite its risks, Mount Rinjani remains a sought-after destination for adventure travelers and nature lovers. Authorities continue to urge caution for those attempting the trek, especially during the wet season.
