Man climbed the imposing sea stack and could not get back down on his own
A 31-year-old man who climbed the 30-metre Leixão da Gaivota sea stack at the popular Caneiros beach in Ferragudo, Lagoa, on Sunday afternoon had to be rescued after he realised he was unable to climb back down on his own.
The rescue mission, which was coordinated by the Portuguese Navy’s Lisbon Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC Lisbon), saw teams from local lifeboat stations and firefighters deployed to the scene.
However, due to the detached rock’s daunting height and the difficulties that authorities faced reaching the man, a Portuguese Air Force EH-101 helicopter was called in, having removed him from the sea stack at around 9pm and taken him to the Portimão aerodrome.
In a statement to the press, the Portuguese Navy said it is always ready to respond to all incidents that may occur in maritime areas that are under its responsibility.
michael.bruxo@portugalresident.com
