1 July, 2025
family-demands-justice-after-tragic-volcano-rescue-failure

LOMBOK, INDONESIA – The family of Juliana Marins is expressing outrage following the unsuccessful rescue operation to save her from Mount Rinjani, an active volcano where she tragically perished.

Immediate Impact

The ordeal captured global attention as Indonesian search and rescue teams embarked on a multi-day mission to save Marins. Despite their efforts, her family announced that the operation failed, leading to her untimely death.

“Juliana suffered great negligence on the part of the rescue team,” her family stated 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!”

Key Details Emerge

Marins, a 26-year-old publicist and dancer from near Rio de Janeiro, was trapped for four days after falling over 1,600 feet from the crater rim of Indonesia’s second-largest volcano. Her family claims that authorities left her for dead despite promises of a rescue.

“Juliana is NEEDING HELP! We don’t know the state of her health!”

Her sister, Marianna, accused the Indonesian government of providing false information, stating, “She is not receiving supplies.”

Allegations of Misconduct

Marins’ family alleges that the rescue team fabricated a video of her rescue and falsely claimed she received food and water. Her father expressed frustration with both the Indonesian and Brazilian governments for their lack of support.

“This is very sad and extremely serious,” he told Brazil’s TV Globo.

By the Numbers

  • 4 days trapped in Mount Rinjani
  • 1,600 feet fall from the crater rim
  • 7 hours: estimated rescue time

Timeline of Events

Marins’ fall occurred on a Saturday after she became exhausted during her hike. Her guide left her behind, and she was alone for an hour before tumbling off the cliff. Despite being in shock, witnesses could hear her cries for help.

“When the guide came back because he saw that she was taking too long, he saw that she had fallen down there.”

Background Context

Mount Rinjani is a popular hiking destination but poses significant risks due to its rugged terrain and unpredictable weather. Marins’ case has highlighted potential inadequacies in the local rescue operations and communication with foreign embassies.

Expert Analysis

Search and rescue experts have criticized the operation, citing poor visibility and inadequate equipment as significant hindrances. The family’s claims of a staged rescue video have further fueled criticism of the authorities’ handling of the situation.

What Comes Next

Marins’ family is determined to seek justice, vowing to hold those responsible accountable. “We are going to seek justice for her because that is what she deserves,” they declared.

Meanwhile, the Mount Rinjani National Park administration extended condolences, stating, “The entire family of the Mount Rinjani National Park Office expresses its deepest condolences on the death of Juliana De Souza Pereira Marins.”

The tragic incident has raised questions about safety measures for tourists and the readiness of local rescue services in handling such emergencies. As the family mourns their loss, they continue to advocate for improvements to prevent future tragedies.