Five French tourists were rescued by the Fire Department after getting lost on a trail between Félix and Itamambuca beaches in Ubatuba, on the northern coast of São Paulo. The group, made up of three women and two men around 28 years old, became stranded on Sunday night.
According to firefighters, the tourists had entered a trail whose access was closed and moved toward the rocky coastline. Because the group could not be reached by land, rescuers entered the sea and went around the area with the help of two surfboards lent by condominium employees. All five tourists were removed safely.
The region contains native vegetation, rocky coastline and several routes leading to beaches and natural areas. Ubatuba’s municipal authorities classify one route from Itamambuca Beach to Brava Beach, for example, as highly difficult, with an estimated walking time of about 40 minutes. That route is different from the path between Félix and Itamambuca.
Before starting a hike, visitors should check the trail’s conditions and confirm that access is authorized. Closed routes should not be used, even if they appear passable, as restrictions may be related to safety risks or maintenance.
Hikers are also advised to plan the trip in advance by checking the distance, estimated duration, difficulty level and weather forecast. Starting during daylight and avoiding late-afternoon or nighttime hikes can reduce risks. Appropriate walking shoes, sufficient water and food, a fully charged cellphone and, if possible, an extra battery and an offline map are also recommended.
Visitors should tell someone which trail they plan to take, when they expect to return and avoid hiking alone. They should follow signs, remain on the designated route and never cross barriers or use unknown shortcuts, which can lead to difficult terrain and complicate a rescue.
If hikers realize they are lost, firefighters advise them to stop, remain calm and avoid continuing without knowing where they are going. They should not leave the trail or attempt to find an alternative route on their own.
The Fire Department can be contacted at 193. When calling, hikers should provide their location and nearby landmarks if possible. The recommendation is to wait in a safe place for rescuers, since moving through unfamiliar terrain can increase the distance from the original route and make the search more difficult.
Sources: G1.