Kitesurfer Alan Ribeiro Missing After Fall at Praia de São Marcos

Overview

• Alan Wesley Pinto Ribeiro fell into the water while kitesurfing on Saturday, Aug. 15, and his board and kite were later found on the sand but he has not been located.
• A 20‑member force led by the Corpo de Bombeiros Militar do Maranhão is conducting searches that include the Batalhão de Bombeiros Marítimo, the Centro Tático Aéreo, boats, a helicopter, drones and a rescue jet ski.
• Strong winds and very high tides forced teams to suspend some sea operations overnight and focus on monitoring the shoreline until conditions improve.
• Searches were restarted at sea at first light on Sunday, Aug. 16, with drones used to widen the area covered by crews on water and on land.
• Family and local kitesurfers have stayed at the scene and received psychological support, and authorities are still investigating the circumstances while warning that rapid changes in wind and tide can endanger athletes and limit rescue options.