The rescue of a tourist, in 2023, on the Pico do Areeiro-Pico Ruivo pedestrian route, while it was temporarily closed, due to adverse weather conditions, cost a total of 1,233.25 euros.
In a press statement, this case was used, as an example, by the Regional Secretariat for Health and Civil Protection, which will allow the Regional Civil Protection Service, IP-RAM, to charge the costs inherent to rescue missions, using the helicopter (Multi-Mission H35), of tourists who venture on pedestrian routes not classified by the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation, IP-RAM (IFCN), and/or routes considered passable, but which are temporarily or permanently closed.”
In other words, “from now on, if the aerial means is activated for a tourist rescue mission in the situations identified above, the amounts referring to the daily air resource (€753.25), plus the activation of the rescuer, €105, will be charged, (which can go up to €210, with the activation of 2 rescuers, in the most complex rescue situations), plus flight time costs at €7.50 per minute.
Returning to the case presented, at the time, “the provision of help by the Volunteer Firefighters of Santana was ensured and the aerial means to rescue the victim were activated. The mission was received and validated by the SAR Team (1 pilot, 1 co-pilot, 1 Winch Operator, and 1 Rescuer), and lasted 50 minutes, between take-off and landing of the aircraft.”
Breaking down the rescue, totalling 1. 233.25 euros:- air means/daily (753.25 euros), a rescue (105 euros), and flight time charge (375 euros).
The Secretariat adds that the information on the rates to be applied is contained in Annex VII, published on January 13 in JORAM, Series I (Declaration of Rectification n.3/2025). Residents of the Autonomous Region of Madeira are exempt from paying these fees.
It was confirmed that rescue missions will always be ensured when necessary. Walkers, tourists, and hikers are recommended to walk along IFCN classified routes and obey all signage and instructions, stating “before starting a hiking route, be aware of the warnings of the local authorities and comply with safety recommendations. You can access this information on the IFCN website and/or at the ProcivMadeira App.”
The Regional Secretariat justifies that this “measure aims to discourage the taking of non-recommended routes that do not offer the minimum safety conditions and that have a higher probability of accidents/incidents.”
Concluding, the Civil Protection affirmed:
“We also take the opportunity to remind you that this type of activity, even on recommended routes, requires the adoption of safety conducts appropriate to the typology of the route, namely: Use of appropriate equipment (footwear/clothing); A prior evaluation and recognition of the route you intend to take; Be aware of the time it may take to complete the route, as well as the associated level of difficulty of the walk.”
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
