Searches for the missing person in the Rio Tibagi are suspended due to river levels

Searches for Felipe Van Ryn, missing in the Rio Tibagi since the beginning of September, have been suspended due to the high level of the river. The current water conditions make it difficult to carry out the work and pose a risk to the teams that act in the operation.

Felipe disappeared on September 8, during a fishing trip in the Uvaia district region, in Ponta Grossa. He was accompanied by another man when the boat in which the two were turned around in the vicinity of the bridge over the Rio Tibagi and the BR-373.

The other occupant of the boat, 28, was able to reach the shore and ask for help. As reported by the BnT Online at the time, Felipe would have initially remained clinging to the boat, but ended up following downstream and was not seen again.

Operation has been going on for weeks.

The boat used by the fishermen was still found on the first day of the search, but Felipe was not near the boat. Since then, Firefighters have carried out different actions along the Rio Tibagi in an attempt to locate the missing person.

The operation included, during different times, specialized teams, vessels, divers and overflights. In the first days after the disappearance, the high level of Tibagi and the strength of the current were pointed out as factors that made the search difficult.

At the end of September, after more than 20 days of operation, the Fire Department was already evaluating the possibility of closure of the searches, depending on the conditions found and the evaluations carried out by the teams.

Rio Tibagi level prevents continuity

Now, with the Rio Tibagi again at a high level, searches have been suspended. The decision takes place for safety, since the strong current and the volume of water make navigation difficult and increase the risks for the professionals involved.

The resumption of the work will depend on a new evaluation of the conditions of the river and the possibility of safe action of the teams.

Felipe Van Ryn is missing. Any new definition on the continuity of searches should occur as the situation of the Rio Tibagi presents adequate conditions for the operation.

See also: https://bntonline.com.br/gat-prende-dois-suspeitos/