LOMBOK, INDONESIA – The family of Juliana Marins is expressing outrage after Indonesian search and rescue teams failed to save her from an active volcano, resulting in her tragic death.
Immediate Impact
The world watched anxiously as officials launched a multi-day rescue operation to save Marins from her perilous situation. Despite the efforts, her family announced this week that the mission was unsuccessful.
“Juliana suffered great negligence on the part of the rescue team,” her family wrote on social media. “If the team had reached her within the estimated time of 7 hours, Juliana would still be alive. Juliana deserved much more! Now we are going to seek justice for her, because that is what she deserves! Don’t give up on Juliana!”
Key Details Emerge
Juliana Marins, 26, was trapped for four days after falling more than 1,600 feet from the crater rim of Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-largest volcano. Despite authorities’ vows to rescue her, the family claims she was left for dead.
The family alleges that the rescue team created a fake video of her rescue and falsely claimed she was provided with food and water.
“The Indonesian government is lying, and the embassy is not verifying the facts before informing us,” said her sister, Marianna. “She is not receiving supplies.”
Family’s Desperation
Marins’ father expressed heartbreak over the lack of support from both the Brazilian and Indonesian governments. “This is very sad and extremely serious,” he told Brazil’s TV Globo. “She is a 26-year-old girl, a Brazilian citizen, and no one—except family and friends—seems to care.”
Background Context
The tragic fall occurred on a Saturday after Marins, exhausted from her hike, asked her guide to stop. However, the guide continued on, leaving her behind. Alone and disoriented, she fell thousands of feet off the cliff face.
Witnesses reported that Marins was “safe, but in shock,” and her screams could be heard, along with glimpses of her flashlight.
By the Numbers
- 4 days – Duration Marins was trapped
- 1,600 feet – Distance she fell
- 7 hours – Estimated time to reach her
Rescue Efforts and Controversy
Rescue efforts were hampered by poor visibility, rough terrain, and unpredictable weather. The family criticized the authorities for being unprepared, claiming initial attempts used ropes too short to reach her.
Local officials released a video allegedly depicting a staged rescue, which the family claims was not from an actual attempt.
Social Media Pleas
As the situation grew dire, Marins’ family turned to social media, pleading for help and expressing concern over her lack of food, water, and warm clothing for three days. By Tuesday, their worst fears were confirmed.
“Today, the rescue team managed to reach the place where Juliana Marins was,” her family stated. “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.”
What Comes Next
The Mount Rinjani National Park administration offered condolences to the family, expressing deep sorrow over the climber’s death. The family is now seeking justice for the perceived negligence and hopes to bring attention to the matter to prevent future tragedies.
This development highlights the need for improved safety protocols and accountability in international rescue operations, as families and experts call for reforms.
