A young hiker, Roberto Farias Tomaz, aged 19, was miraculously found alive after being missing for five days while hiking on the trail towards Pico Paraná, the tallest mountain in southern Brazil. Roberto and his friend got separated on January 1, leading to his disappearance. The determined hiker trekked alone through the forest for approximately 20km until he reached a farm in Cacatu, Antonina, where he borrowed a phone to contact his sister and inform her of his survival.
Following his rescue, Roberto, who had no phone or ample food and water supplies, was promptly taken to the hospital for medical evaluations. In an emotional interview with RPC, a local TV station, he disclosed his feelings of despair during the ordeal, expressing his gratitude for surviving and attributing his strength to thoughts of his family.
Despite initial doubts about being found, Roberto’s perseverance and faith sustained him throughout the challenging experience. After extensive search efforts involving over 100 firefighters and 300 volunteers, he was relieved to hear a helicopter on the first day of being lost, signaling that rescue teams were looking for him.
After receiving medical attention for minor injuries, Roberto expressed his deep appreciation for all the individuals involved in the search and rescue mission. His family, who reside in Pinhais, were overjoyed to be reunited with him and shared a heartfelt message of gratitude for the support received during the trying time.
Government officials, including the Governor of Paraná and the State Secretary of Public Security, commended the dedication and collaborative efforts of the search teams and volunteers in ensuring Roberto’s safe return. The successful operation highlighted the importance of coordinated rescue efforts and community involvement in such critical situations.
