Missing in the Amazon: the disappearance – episode one

In the first episode of 'Missing in the Amazon,' host Tom Phillips explores the mysterious disappearance of journalist Dom Phillips and indigenous rights advocate Bruno Pereira in the remote Javari Valley of the Amazon rainforest in June 2022. The episode opens with Orlando and Tataco, colleagues of Bruno, anxiously waiting for him and Dom at a port, quickly becoming concerned when they fail to arrive. The narrative paints a picture of the region's dangerous dynamics, including illegal mining, poaching, and drug trafficking, outlining the threats faced by those protecting indigenous lands.

As concern grows, the search for Dom and Bruno begins, punctuated by frantic communications among friends and family. Dom's journalist background and a book project on the Amazon's environmental issues are highlighted, along with the longstanding threats posed by a far-right political environment, which includes a hostile president. The search efforts involve indigenous communities, police, and local volunteers facing treacherous terrain and weather conditions, while trying to trace sightings of the missing men.

As the search progresses, rumors surface about a suspicious speedboat that appeared to be following Dom and Bruno, heightening fears of foul play. Despite some local cooperation, many remain silent due to fear of repercussions from criminal actors. Phillips raises the alarming possibility that the duo was ambushed rather than simply lost. The episode concludes by underscoring the deepening mystery surrounding their disappearance and hints at future episodes focused on the broader struggles of indigenous communities and environmental protection in the Amazon.