A young hiker, Roberto Farias Tomaz, who went missing for five days on Pico Parana, the tallest peak in southern Brazil, has been successfully located following an extensive search and rescue mission. Roberto, 19, disappeared on January 1 while trekking the trail with a friend, feeling unwell during the ascent, as reported by firefighters.
After encountering two other groups at the peak, Roberto and his companion started their descent in the early hours of New Year’s Day. Concern arose when Roberto got separated, prompting a search effort involving police and firefighters.
Remarkably, after an exhaustive five-day search, Roberto was discovered on Monday having traversed 20km of challenging terrain and woods to reach the Cacatu area of Antonina. He sought help at a farm, leading to his rescue and subsequent hospitalization for evaluation. Despite lacking a phone, Roberto managed to survive on minimal provisions.
In a released video, Roberto described his ordeal, noting injuries but expressing gratitude for being found. Medical tests revealed mild dehydration and bruising on his lower limbs. His family, residing in Pinhais near Curitiba, were relieved to reunite with him and expressed thanks for the support received.
Officials, including Governor Ratinho Junior and State Secretary of Public Security Colonel Hudson Leoncio Teixeira, commended the search teams comprising over 100 firefighters and hundreds of volunteers for their dedicated efforts in locating Roberto. Pico Parana, known for its challenging terrain and risks, is a prominent hiking destination in the region, with the trail spanning over 15km and typically requiring around 13 hours to complete.
