Two French tourists became lost for several hours while walking along Levada do Rei, São Jorge. However, after raising an alert during the night, a search operation was mounted that involved the Santana Volunteer Firefighters, the Forest Police, and the heliborne team of the Regional Civil Protection Service.

Search and rescue teams working alongside the Forest Police managed to locate the victims in a difficult to access area, they then requested assistance from the Civil Protection helicopter team this morning.  The helicopter was fully equipped with a winch operator and surface to air extraction experts.

Upon arrival at the Regional Civil Protection Service headquarters, the tourists were assisted by an EMIR team and the Portuguese Red Cross (CVP). According to a source neither citizen needed medical attention.

Samantha Gannon

info at madeira-weekly.com