RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The sea advanced on the beaches and startled tourists on Sunday, February 23rd, in Ubatuba, on the northern coast of São Paulo. As a result of the surging and rough sea, the waves swept over the stretch of sand of several beaches and dragged tables, chairs, huts and swimmers’ articles.
According to the Civil Defense, there were reports of the sea advancing on the beaches of Tenório, Fazenda, Itaguá, Toninhas and Praia Grande. The body reported that it is doing rounds on the city’s beaches.
Six people were injured. The most serious suffered a leg fracture and was rescued by the firemen at Tenório Beach. Another five were lightly injured and were sent to Santa Casa.
According to bathers, the sea became choppy around 1 PM and before they were able to pull back, it advanced over the stretch of sand dragging everything in its path.
“The sea rose suddenly and the waves came in with great intensity dragging tables, chairs and whoever was in them. Desperate to escape, people even stepped on those who had fallen with the power of the waves. One person had to be rushed to hospital,” says Max Willian, manager of a kiosk at Tenório Beach.
The store owner also says that bathers lost cell phones, bags and wallets that were dragged by the force of the sea. He says he hasn’t accounted for the damage yet, but the waves dragged tables and chairs that were on the sand.
According to the Port Authority, there are two high-wave warnings for the city – one issued on Sunday with the chance of waves of up to 3.5 meters.
The Authority advises bathers and sailors to be alert to the warnings, which may be followed up on the Boletim ao Mar (Sea Report) App, which provides real-time data.
Source: G1