Two fishermen were rescued from their sinking vessel this morning by the Maritime Police of Funchal. The occurrence took place approximately nine kilometres off the south coast of Cabo Girão.
A distress call was received at 7:25 am, through the Funchal Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Subcentre (MRSC Funchal), as a light signal had been received off Cabo Girão. On receiving a location identifier a rescue boat and crew were immediately dispatched to assist the two men.
On arriving at the scene, the Maritime Police found that a local fishing vessel had overturned, was partially submerged, with both men clinging onto the only part out of the water for dear life. Both fishermen showed signs of hyperthermia, and on arriving in Funchal harbour they were immediately transported to hospital.
In addition, both a vessel and officers from the Captaincy of the Port of Funchal and Local Command of the Maritime Police of Funchal were sent to the area with a view of removing the stricken vessel.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
