A young German tourist who fell 200 metres in the area of the Pedra Rija viewpoint, Vereda do Pico do Areeiro, this morning, has died.
The outcome of the accident was confirmed by the mountain rescue team, who only managed to reach the man late this afternoon. At 18:40 the authorities advised that firefighters were still trying to remove the body.
Apparently, the young man was in the company of three other people. After leaving he path to take a photo he lost his balance and fell.
Emergency services received the alert at 11:38, from a concerned citizen and 13 officers and three vehicles from the Madeiran Volunteer Firefighters Mountain Rescue Team (BVM) were dispatched to the scene. Also in attendence were a drone team and the Regional Civil Protection Helicopter Service. However, low lying mist and fog made aerial means unfeasible.
Later on, the original teams were supported by members from the PSP, a GNR team from the Special Protection and Relief Unit and officers from the Forest Police Corps. In total, about 40 operatives were involved in the operation.
The rescue operation was time-consuming and complex, as the area where the fall occurred is steep and densely vegetated.
Following this accident, the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN) closed the trail of Vereda do Pico do Areeiro.
Our sympathies with the young man’s friends and family. But this does hightlight how dangerous the terrain is and the hazards of leaving designated pathways.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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