According to a statement issued by the Captain of the Port of Funchal, the man who was swimming off the Barreirinha beach, got into difficulties and could not swim back to the shore. He was rescued by the ISN Funchal lifeguard, and transported by the Portuguese Red Cross (CVP) ambulance to Accident and Emergencies where his condition is being assessed.
Meanwhile, yesterday, the 10th of April, bathers at Praia dos Reis Magos, in Caniço, were surprised by the sudden arrival of a police team, who were called to the site to help find a missing man.
The distress call was made by the man’s family, who suddenly realised that he had not come back from his swim. Luckily members of the Madeiran Volunteer Firefighter (BVM) dive team were training in the area and assisted in the search.
On Friday the 9th of April, members of the Calheta Voluntary Fire Brigade and Forest Police were called out to look for a Polish tourist who was reported missing in the area of Rabaçal.
According to a Civil Protection source, after trying to find the man on foot, a Fire Brigade Mountain Rescue and the Forest Police were sent to the scene to help locate him.
The man who was later found, was very tired but able to manage the last part of the walk unaided. However, he was accompanied by Emergency Service officers as he was in poor physical shape.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
