The body found floating this afternoon near the Maiata Beach, in Porto da Cruz was that of a 44-year-old Irish man.
Bruno Teles, Commander of the Maritime Zone of Madeira, explained that the man swam out to help a 14-year-old girl. However, the teenager was rescued as bystanders threw her a buoy and dragged her to safety.
At 14:55, the Captaincy of the Port of Funchal received a call from the Regional Civil Protection Service about two people in trouble at sea near the Maiata area. An emergency crew was dispatched right away and found a man floating in the water upon arrival. They pulled him aboard and attempted basic life support, but sadly, he was already deceased.
Captain Bruno Teles also believes that it was the girl’s father who rushed in to save her. The young girl was immediately transported to the Dr. Nélio Mendonça Hospital.
The man’s body was transferred to the Santa Cruz Lifeguard Station, where he was declared dead by the health delegate.
Captain Bruno Teles urgently advises everyone to be cautious, as the sea is rougher during winter and requires extra care at all times.
Our thoughts are with this brave man’s family at this difficult time.
