Rio Firefighters Keep Searching for Missing Teen as New Swell Warning Targets Coast

Overview

• More than 60 hours after a 14-year-old from Campinas was swept away near Posto 2 in Copacabana, about 22 firefighters continue an active search using helicopters, drones, divers, inflatable boats, water scooters and sonar.
• The Rio Fire Department logged 1,167 rescues from 7 a.m. Dec. 31 to 7 p.m. Jan. 1, led by Ipanema (399), Copacabana (396) and Leme (239), far exceeding the 29 rescues recorded during last year’s New Year period.
• The Brazilian Navy issued a rough-sea alert forecasting 2.5–3 meter waves from Saturday afternoon through early Monday, prompting reinforced warnings to avoid bathing, stay off rocks and mirantes, and call 193 in emergencies.
• Authorities report no other active beach-related searches in Rio and have increased prevention efforts, including on-site messaging and social media advisories for holiday crowds.
• Coastal risks extended beyond Rio as São Paulo reported at least seven drowning deaths and 203 drowning-related incidents between Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, according to the state’s maritime fire brigade.