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Deadly New Year Swell in Rio: Missing Teen Found, 631 Rescued

Officials warn rip currents still pose a threat despite the high-wave alert ending.

Overview

  • Firefighters confirmed the recovery of Fabio William Macedo Flores' body in Lagoa de Cima after an extensive search using aircraft, drones, boats, jet skis and dive teams.
  • Between December 31 and January 1, rescuers saved 631 people in Copacabana and Leme as powerful surf overwhelmed beachgoers.
  • The Brazilian Navy had warned of waves up to 2.5 meters, and the swell even reached one of the stages set up for New Year’s shows on the sand.
  • In Ipanema, emergency crews pulled a man from the water in serious condition and transferred him to Hospital Miguel Couto.
  • On Peru’s coast, two people drowned in Huaral and beachgoers protested the absence of lifeguards, with separate near-drownings reported in Barranca.