The Funchal Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Subcenter coordinated five search and rescue operations, and five people were rescued in January, the Navy revealed.
The authority also said in a press release that last month, the Navy coordinated 56 search and rescue operations, and 27 people were rescued.
According to the same press release, 31 incidents were recorded in the Lisbon Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) ‘s area of responsibility, resulting in the rescue of 44 people.
Eight search and rescue actions were coordinated in the MRCC’s area of responsibility in Ponta Delgada (Azores), and two people were rescued.
“Different organizations contribute to the success of the search and rescue system and the resources of various entities are involved, namely the Navy, the National Maritime Authority, the Portuguese Air Force and other entities belonging to the Auxiliary Structure of the National Search and Rescue System, in particular the National Institute of Medical Emergency – Urgent Patient Guidance Center at sea (INEM CODU-MAR), the National and Regional Civil Protection and Fire Services, the Maritime and Port Administrations, the Coastal Traffic Control System, among other bodies,” the Navy said in a statement.
It also highlights “the support provided by merchant ships and fishing vessels in search and rescue actions, which deviate from their commercial routes and interrupt their professional activity to provide the necessary assistance, always coordinated by the National Centers – MRCC Lisboa and MRCC Delgada.”
“The Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centres have already been recognized nationally and internationally with various awards and they maintain their zeal for safeguarding human life at sea, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” the statement said.

Erica Franco is a journalist for the Jornal de Notícias da Madeira.

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