A 26-year-old Brazilian woman, Juliana Marins, is fighting for survival after falling off a cliff on Mount Rinjani, an active volcano in Indonesia, three days ago. The publicist from Niterói has been trapped since early Saturday, June 21, prompting a massive rescue effort that’s facing tough challenges. Her story is a gripping reminder of how quickly adventure can turn to danger.
Juliana was hiking with a guide and a group near Cemara Nunggal, aiming for the volcano’s peak, when she fell. Her sister, Marianna, shared with Brazilian media that Juliana asked for a break, but the group left her behind. Unsure of the trail, she slipped off a cliff. When the guide returned, he found her far below, injured and stuck. Hikers described the path as brutal, with slippery rocks and low visibility in the pre-dawn darkness, lit only by a small lantern.
Rescue teams sprang into action, and by June 23, Gunung Rinjani National Park reported spotting Juliana via drone, motionless on a cliff 500 meters (1,640 feet) down. Two rescuers climbed to 350 meters (1,140 feet) but were stopped by huge overhangs that made anchoring ropes impossible. Bad weather forced them to abandon the effort, leaving Juliana still out of reach. Her family said rescuers were just 350 meters away but had only advanced 250 meters in a day, urging faster help.
Juliana’s loved ones are rallying support online, sharing heartfelt pleas. An Instagram video from a rescue-focused page begged for urgent action, saying Juliana’s been missing for over two days and her life depends on rescue. Some X posts mention a helicopter mission starting, but others say weather canceled it, though these claims aren’t confirmed. The uncertainty only adds to the tension felt by those following her ordeal.
Mount Rinjani, a tourist favorite that last erupted in 2016, is proving a formidable challenge for rescuers. As they battle rugged cliffs and stormy skies, Juliana’s family clings to hope. Her story has touched hearts worldwide, with everyone praying for her safe return from this harrowing situation.