A strong swell dragged five people, aged between five and twenty-eight, into the sea this morning from the Paul do Mar pier in Calheta.
According to Paulo Rodrigues, President of the Parish Council, the wave swept up the wall, sweeping the five off their feet and into the sea. Two were assisted on the spot by paramedics, and the remaining three, one of whom is said to have sustained head injuries, were immediately transported to hospital.
According to the mayor, bystanders rushed to help the five, all of whom are Portuguese nationals. The Volunteer Firefighters of Calheta were called, as well as the Volunteer Firefighters of Ribeira Brava and Ponta do Sol.
The local branch of the Maritime Police of Funchal took care of the occurrence.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
