Tourist Trapped Inside Volcano for Four Days Tragically Dies Before Rescue Team Could Reach Her

A 26-year-old Brazilian woman who became trapped inside an active volcano in Indonesia has tragically died before rescuers could reach her, her family has confirmed.

Juliana Marins was hiking Mount Rinjani, an active volcano on the island of Lombok, when she fell approximately 1,600 feet (around 500 meters) down a cliff in the early hours of Saturday, June 21. She was reported to have been hiking with a guide near Cemara Nunggal on her way to the summit when she asked to take a break. Allegedly, the group continued ahead without her.

Mount Rinjani is a popular hiking spot (Getty Stock Photo)

When the guide later returned, he discovered that Juliana had fallen from the cliffside. Despite efforts to locate and rescue her, adverse conditions and the dangerous terrain prevented rescuers from reaching her in time.

Juliana’s family confirmed the heartbreaking news in a social media post:

“Today, the rescue team managed to reach the place where Juliana Marins was. 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.”

Brazilian senator Tereza Cristina expressed national sorrow and called for accountability in a public statement:

“All of Brazil was hoping and praying that the rescue would arrive in time to save Juliana Marins. Sadly, that did not happen.

Our condolences to her family and friends.

The Brazilian government must demand an investigation into the circumstances and ensure those responsible in Indonesia are held accountable. In practice, Juliana was abandoned twice — first on the trail and then after her fall.”

Juliana’s sister, Marianna, said that Juliana had become disoriented after losing sight of her guide.

“She didn’t know what to do. When the guide came back because she was taking too long, he saw that she had fallen.”

Juliana Marins has been traveling through Asia (Instagram/@ajulianamarins)

Fellow hikers who were on the trail that day described the conditions as treacherous. One hiker told Brazilian TV network Globo that it was still dark at the time, with low visibility and only a basic lantern to navigate the steep, slippery terrain.

Before her death was confirmed, Indonesia’s Gunung Rinjani National Park had reported spotting Juliana via drone. In a Facebook statement, officials said she was seen lying motionless on a rock ledge about 500 meters deep.

The statement read:

“Two rescue personnel were deployed to reach the victim’s location and to inspect the second anchor point at 350 meters. However, large overhanging rocks prevented the team from safely installing an anchor.

Due to these hazardous conditions and worsening weather, the rescue operation had to be halted.”

Mount Rinjani is the second-highest volcano in Indonesia and last erupted in 2016. Its difficult terrain and unpredictable weather make it a dangerous climb, even for experienced hikers.

Juliana’s tragic death has sparked outrage and sorrow both in Brazil and internationally, as questions remain about safety procedures and guide responsibilities on the popular hiking route.