Gracines Hassan de Melo, affectionately known as Graça in her community, was set to celebrate her 75th birthday on Saturday, but the festivities were abruptly canceled following a tragic incident in Manaus. A boat, the Lima de Abreu XV, capsized en route from Manaus to Nova Olinda do Norte, resulting in the disappearance of Graça's daughter-in-law, among other victims. The family, who had planned to travel by boat to the celebration, found their joyful occasion turned into a somber affair as tragedy struck.

The shipwreck claimed the lives of two individuals, including a young child and a 22-year-old woman, while seven others remain missing. Fortunately, 71 passengers were rescued by firefighters, but the loss and uncertainty weigh heavily on the community. Graça shared the close relationship she had with her daughter-in-law, describing their bond as mother-daughter-like, deepening the emotional impact of the tragedy on her family.

In her heartfelt words, Graça expressed her feelings of defeat and sorrow, reflecting on how the anticipated celebration was overshadowed by grief. Friends of the family also canceled their plans to attend after hearing the news of the accident, further highlighting the widespread effect of this tragic event within the community. The story underscores not only the personal losses suffered by individual families but also the collective trauma experienced by their community in the wake of such calamities.