> At a Glance
> – 19-year-old Roberto Farias Thomaz found alive after vanishing on Pico Paraná on Jan. 1
> – Walked 12+ miles without phone or supplies to reach coastal town of Antonina
> – 100+ firefighters and 300 daily volunteers joined the search through rain and fog
> – Why it matters: Dramatic rescue shows how quickly day hikes can turn life-threatening, even on well-traveled peaks
A New Year’s hike on southern Brazil’s tallest mountain turned into a five-day survival drama when 19-year-old Roberto Farias Thomaz became separated from his companion and had to navigate dense forest alone without food, water, or a phone.
The Disappearance
Thomaz and a friend summited Pico Paraná around 4 a.m. on Jan. 1 and began descending with another group two hours later. Before reaching camp he fell behind and was never seen by either party again.
- No cellphone to call for help
- Minimal supplies in his pack
- Teams started searching by 1:45 p.m. the same day
Massive Search Effort
Lt. Col. Ícaro Gabriel of the Paraná Fire Department praised the response:
> “After five days of searching, with more than 100 firefighters involved and about 300 volunteers every day, we achieved this happy outcome.”
Rescuers battled:
- Steep, slippery terrain
- Heavy rain and thick fog
- Limited visibility for aircraft
Solo Trek to Safety
While crews combed the mountain, Thomaz hiked more than 12 miles through forest toward the coast. He finally emerged near Antonina, a small port town east of the peak, and was helped by residents.
In a video to his family he said:
> “My body is covered in bruises, I have several scrapes, I can’t see because I lost my glasses, but I’m okay.”
He was retrieved from a Cacatu farm and taken to hospital, where staff confirmed he was lucid but showed dehydration and leg hematomas.
Official Reactions
Gov. Ratinho Júnior posted on X:
> “The young Roberto was found in Antonina and is already receiving care. Our sincere thanks to the Fire Department, to the Secretary of Public Security, and to all the volunteers who acted with dedication and humanity in this search.”
Thomaz’s family expressed relief:
> “We found Roberto! Thank you to all the angels who came here to help us! Thank you for your prayers.”
Key Takeaways
- Always carry emergency communication when hiking
- Weather can turn a familiar trail into a survival challenge
- Community volunteer efforts can be crucial in mountain rescues
The successful outcome highlights both the risks of solo hiking and the power of coordinated search operations in Brazil’s high country.
