Doctor dies after disappearing in river in Pará while trying to help a friend hold a boat
The body of doctor Arlen Martins Rocha, who went missing while attempting to assist a friend with a boat during a storm in Brazil, was found in the Tocantins River.
Arlen Martins Rocha, a well-known doctor in Marabá, Brazil, tragically lost his life after he disappeared in the Tocantins River while trying to assist a friend whose boat had come loose during a severe storm. The incident occurred on Tuesday, and after more than 36 hours of intensive search efforts, his body was discovered in Itupiranga, approximately 67 kilometers from where he disappeared. The community of Marabá reacted with great sorrow upon hearing the news of his passing, reflecting on the impact he had made in their lives.
The search for Rocha involved several rescue teams, including firefighters and aerial assistance from the Pará State Public Security Air Group (Graesp). The operation was complicated due to difficult access to the location where his body was found. Tragically, it was Rocha's brother who discovered the body in the river, underscoring the emotional toll this incident has taken on his family and the wider community that had rallied for his safe return.
Rocha’s death highlights the dangers faced during extreme weather conditions and raises awareness about the risks associated with boating and water activities in Brazil. As the community grieves, there is a call for greater safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future, emphasizing the need for education on emergency responses during adverse weather events.