A tragic incident occurred in Brazil when a boat carrying 15 people capsized on the Grande River, resulting in the deaths of two young women, Marina Rodrigues Matias and her friend Viviane Aredes. The accident took place at around 10:30 PM on Saturday, shortly after the group had attended a pagode event at a floating bar in Rifaina, São Paulo, to celebrate Aredes’ 35th birthday. The vessel hit an unmarked dock on the Minas Gerais side of the river, leading to the tragedy.

Marina, who was just 22 years old and from Franca, San Paulo, was preparing to celebrate her own birthday in May but instead found herself as one of the casualties in this unforeseen disaster. Her uncle, Miguel Laércio Matias, expressed the shock and devastation felt by the family as they came to terms with the loss. He shared that he had just been getting ready for mass when he received the heartbreaking news about his niece's death, highlighting the profound impact such sudden tragedies can have on families.

This accident sheds light on the importance of safety measures and regulatory oversight in recreational boating. The lack of proper signage on the dock where the boat collided raises concerns about the safety of waterways in Brazil, particularly during festive gatherings. As families mourn their loss, it serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with water-related activities and the need for increased awareness and caution to prevent similar tragedies in the future.