Brazilian Kitesurfer Dies During Tatajuba Festival Race in Ceará as Police Investigate

Overview

• Victor Cipriano Vilela, 30, drowned during a race at the Tatajuba Kite Festival in Camocim after witnesses said kite lines tangled around his neck.
• Organizers canceled the competition and posted a condolence message, but they have not answered on-record questions about safety provisions at the event.
• The Civil Police in Camocim opened an investigation into the circumstances of the accident and potential failures in event safety.
• Reports from participants and spectators describe the absence of a rescue jet ski, lifeguards, specialized rescuers and a mobile ICU, which remains unconfirmed by organizers.
• Vilela was pulled from the water, received beachside first aid and was airlifted in serious condition to a hospital, and his family is transferring his body to Uberlândia for burial.