Firefighters Rescue Group Drifting Off Barra da Tijuca

Overview

• A mixed group attempting a crossing to the Ilhas Tijuca was carried away from shore and recovered by the Corpo de Bombeiros' 2º Grupamento Marítimo using two jet skis operated by nine personnel.
• The rescue took place after one participant called emergency number 193 and all people recovered were evaluated on the sand with no one needing hospital transport.
• Official wind data from Alerta Rio and the city operations center recorded gusts up to 57.5 km/h at Vidigal and about 54.4 km/h at Forte de Copacabana at the time of the crossing.
• Early reports conflicted over how many people were taken from the water, with some outlets saying 10 and official statements later citing 20 people aged about 20–67, including swimmers and stand-up paddlers.
• Forecasters warn a frontal system will bring more rain and cooler temperatures later in the week, and authorities advise caution for open-water recreational activities when strong gusts are reported.