Roberto Farias Thomaz, a 20-year-old man who went missing on Pico Paraná on January 1st, was successfully found alive on the morning of January 5th. He emerged alone at the base of the peak, reaching a farm in Antonina Cacatu, after an arduous journey of over 20 kilometers.
The young man, who had been unaccounted for since New Year’s Day, exhibited multiple scratches and bruises across his body upon his return. His survival and solo descent highlight the extreme challenges faced in one of Brazil’s highest mountains.
The perilous descent and his physical ordeal
Upon reaching safety, Thomaz shared details of his harrowing experience, revealing he was without boots and struggled with impaired vision. He reportedly lost his eyeglasses early in the journey, making navigation through the rugged terrain exceedingly difficult. These conditions compounded the physical toll of his long trek.
His solo journey covered more than 20 kilometers through unforgiving mountain landscapes, a testament to his endurance despite severe handicaps. The lack of proper footwear and clear sight in such an environment presented life-threatening challenges for the young mountaineer.
Ascent and critical separation from his companion
Roberto had initially ascended Pico Paraná, located in Campina Grande do Sul, Metropolitan Region of Curitiba, on the afternoon of December 31st, accompanied by his friend Thayane Smith. The pair aimed to celebrate the New Year at the summit, a popular but challenging climb.
During the ascent, preliminary reports indicate Roberto experienced bouts of vomiting, suggesting he may have been unwell even before reaching the top. Despite this, the two successfully reached the peak around 4 AM on January 1st, where they encountered two other groups of hikers.
After a brief rest period of approximately two hours, Roberto and Thayane began their descent. However, at a certain point during the return, the friends separated. The second group of hikers, who followed shortly after, passed the location where Roberto was last seen but could not find him, raising immediate concerns.
Extensive search operations mobilised
Following the alert regarding Roberto’s disappearance, emergency services initiated an extensive search operation on the afternoon of January 1st. Firefighters, supported by a diverse array of resources, combed the vast and challenging terrain of Pico Paraná.
The search efforts included advanced technology such as aircraft equipped with thermal cameras, which are crucial for detecting heat signatures in dense vegetation and at night. Volunteers also played a significant role, dedicating their time and expertise to assist the official teams in the difficult mountain environment. Additionally, a drone equipped with an infrared thermal sensor was deployed to enhance the search capabilities, providing aerial views and identifying potential locations where Roberto might have been.
Friend’s deep regret and broader safety warnings
Following the joyous news of Roberto’s recovery, his friend Thayane Smith expressed profound remorse for leaving him behind during the mountain descent. In a candid statement released on social media, she admitted, “I will never do that again,” acknowledging her error in judgment.
Thayane also revealed she had communicated with Roberto’s family, openly taking responsibility for her actions. She expressed confusion about the precise circumstances of his disappearance, stating, “I know I made a mistake by letting him go without me, but there were other people with him. It was impossible to get lost. I don’t know what happened.”
The incident has prompted numerous individuals monitoring the situation to highlight crucial lessons regarding mountain safety. Many echoed the sentiment that “the mountain is not a game,” stressing the importance of proper preparation, caution, and staying together, especially in challenging environments like Pico Paraná.
Roberto’s diverse professional background
Interestingly, Roberto Farias Thomaz’s online profiles indicate a varied professional background, with several roles related to safety and emergency response. This experience may have contributed to his ability to survive the ordeal.
He identifies himself as a civil firefighter and paramedic, professions that require significant resilience, survival skills, and a strong understanding of emergency situations. Furthermore, Roberto also states he works as a workplace safety technician, another role focused on mitigating risks and ensuring well-being. Adding to his diverse portfolio, he also consults on financial investments.
