Three teenagers, a woman and a man, were rescued after becoming adrift at sea on Tainha beach in Bombinhas, on the north coast of Santa Catarina, at around 5.30pm last Sunday (17).

Rescue efforts were carried out by the fire service using a jet ski and a medium sized vessel traveling through the area.

The youths and adults were unable to return to shore and had to be rescued by firefighters and another vessel – Photo: Bombinhas City Hall/Disclosure

Fog and wind make rescue at sea difficult

Firefighters say two girls, a boy and the mother of one of the young women entered the water aboard kayaks. Having fallen into the water and thrown adrift, the owner of the boat tried to help, but was unable to return.

All victims were wearing life jackets, four of them were rescued by a medium-sized boat located near the scene.

The fifth victim, a girl who went missing at sea, was later found by firefighters. Rescuers used binoculars to “scan” the area, where fog and strong winds prevailed, making it difficult to see.

Rescue efforts were hampered by wind and fog on the beach in Bombinhas – Photo: Bruno Golembiewski/ND

She suffered from mild hypothermia, but firefighters treated her and released her soon after. Other young people, the mother and the owner of the kayaks were also released on the spot under the guidance of professionals.