Search Intensifies for Missing Cyclists in Serra do Mar

A large-scale search operation is currently active in the Serra do Mar region for two cyclists who went missing during a trail ride. The operation, led by the Corpo de Bombeiros, involves extensive ground and aerial coverage across difficult terrain.

The cyclists, Gilberto Alves and Carlos Gomes Pereira, began their journey on Wednesday morning in Juquitiba. As the search enters its sixth day, teams are utilizing geolocation data to map their progress and narrow down potential locations.

The cyclists initiated their ride at 9:00 AM on Wednesday, January 14th. Their planned route took them from the Estrada do Jacuba in Juquitiba, aiming for the Trilha da Pedra Lisa in the Serra do Mar mountains. The ultimate destination was the Cachoeira da Salete.

The last verified contact occurred around 3:00 PM the same day. Gilberto Alves sent an audio message to a family member, indicating they had become disoriented. In the recording, he stated, "Oh, my son. We came to do the trail here and we got lost. Now, we are going down the river, you understand? I don't know if we will arrive today."

"We are inconformable; it is difficult."

Ana Carolina Almeida, Gilberto's daughter, reported the disappearance to authorities on Thursday, January 15th. She noted that while her father enjoyed cycling, he was not familiar with this specific region, whereas his friend had more experience with the terrain.

The search effort is coordinated by two specific battalions to cover the vast area. The 6ºGB is responsible for the Peruíbe sector and its surroundings, while the 18ºGB focuses on Juquitiba and adjacent areas.

As of Tuesday, January 20th, the teams have made significant progress in mapping the area:

• Ground teams have traversed 277 kilometers of trails.
• Aerial support from the Águia helicopter has surveyed over 100 kilometers.
• The operation utilizes a geolocation app to track routes and cellular signal towers.

The operation is complex due to the region's topography. There are numerous waterways and intersecting trails, making it difficult to predict the cyclists' exact path. The topography suggests the pair may have followed the Rio São Lourencinho, which flows toward Peruíbe.

The Corpo de Bombeiros has released a map generated by a geolocation application, offering a visual insight into the search methodology. This map displays the specific routes taken by rescue teams, points of interest, and the range of cellular antennas.

Key elements on the map include:

• Trails: Marked paths traversed by search teams.
• Signal Areas: Large circles indicating the coverage area of communication towers.
• Interest Points: Locations where teams have focused their efforts.

This data is crucial for avoiding redundancy. By documenting where teams have already searched, commanders ensure that resources are deployed efficiently to unexplored sectors rather than retracing steps.

The missing men are Gilberto Alves, 62, and Carlos Gomes Pereira, 56. Both are residents of the São Paulo metropolitan area, with Gilberto living in Embu das Artes and Carlos in the Campo Limpo district. According to family, both men share a passion for adventure, fishing, and cycling.

Authorities have released descriptions of their attire based on the police report (boletim de ocorrência):

• Gilberto Alves: Blue shirt, black shorts, and white sneakers.
• Carlos Gomes Pereira: Grey shorts and unspecified color sneakers.

Both men were carrying their bicycles and only brought water for the trip. The search continues with 23 professionals and six vehicles deployed to the field.

The search for Gilberto Alves and Carlos Gomes Pereira remains the priority for the 6ºGB and 18ºGB. As the operation progresses, the focus will likely shift toward the riverbanks of the Rio São Lourencinho and the surrounding Peruíbe area.

With the terrain mapped and extensive ground covered, rescue teams are relying on the remaining cellular data and topographical analysis to locate the cyclists. The region's complexity requires patience and precision as the search moves into its next phase.