Cabo Frio authorities investigate lagoon opening at Praia do Foguete

The State Environmental Institute (Inea) and local municipalities have launched an investigation into the opening of a channel connecting the Lagoa Vermelha (also known as Lagoa da Barra Nova) to the Atlantic Ocean at Praia do Foguete. The incident occurred at the border between Cabo Frio and Arraial do Cabo in Rio de Janeiro.

Residents and social media footage have raised concerns that the opening was an artificial intervention by beachgoers. In response, Inea stated that no formal authorization was requested for any excavation or soil movement in the area. Environmental officials noted that such interventions require prior studies and licensing to prevent ecosystem damage.

Jailton Dias, the Municipal Secretary of Environment, Climate, and Sanitation of Cabo Frio, explained that the lagoon serves as a local drainage zone. An unauthorized opening could threaten local fauna and flora by altering salinity levels or clogging drainage areas.

One individual identified in social media videos, Caio Pinheiro, denied responsibility, stating that his group was engaged in recreational activities and that the footage was filmed a week before the actual breach occurred following a period of heavy rainfall.