On Friday, a dramatic scene unfolded at Rio de Janeiro's iconic Copacabana beach when approximately a hundred paddle boarders were caught off guard by unexpected violent winds. Firefighters reported that while no serious injuries occurred, seven individuals required treatment for minor scratches.
The paddle boarders, who typically enjoy serene sunrise outings, found themselves drifting perilously close to the rocks at the nearby Copacabana military fort. Daniel Andrade, a paddle instructor, expressed his astonishment at the sudden weather change, noting that they had organized these early morning excursions for over a year without encountering such strong winds. 'We were surprised because these gusts had not been predicted by the weather forecast,' he stated.
Firefighters utilized water motorcycles to rescue those who had fallen into the sea or were unable to navigate back to shore. Some individuals sustained minor injuries while attempting to climb the rocky terrain of the Copacabana fort to reach safety. Despite the chaos, the beach remains a popular destination for both locals and tourists, known for its usually calm waters and vibrant atmosphere.
