Polish tourist became stuck at dusk near Seixal beach in Madeira
A 42-year-old Polish tourist had to spend 15 hours, most of them in pitch darkness, stuck on a rock in the sea off Seixal beach in Madeira. Rescue was impossible, first due to authorities not knowing where he was, and second due to conditions at sea which saw waves at some points three metres high. But the man was ‘saved’ thanks to a military drone that was first able to identify him with its infrared camera, and then ensure he was dropped a thermic blanket, flashlight and food.
The stranded tourist was eventually airlifted off the rock the next morning by helicopter, and taken to hospital.
The drama began on Saturday evening, just before 7pm when daylight was already fading. The man’s wife raised the alarm: he had gone out ‘diving’ and had not returned.
Maritime authorities then began searches, enlisting the help of the Armed Forces and local firefighters.
A military drone finally located the man, in his bathing trunks holding onto the rock, at 11.50pm, after which the blanket/ food etc were able to be delivered.
The tourist remained on the rock through the night, all the time ‘monitored’ by the drone which stayed permanently in place above him. Early yesterday morning, a member of the lifeboat team was able to reach the spot, staying with the victim until the arrival of the helicopter.
The man was transported first to Madeira airport, and then by road to Hospital Dr Nélio Mendonça.
Source: Correio da Manhã
