The Navy announced that the NRP Sagres, commanded by Lieutenant Silva Santos, is manned by a crew of 43 military personnel committed to enforcing surveillance, search and rescue operations, and various public interest missions in support of civil authorities.
The presence of NRP Sines in the Azores strengthens national sovereignty, maritime security, and supports the island populations in a region strategically significant for Portugal and the Atlantic.
The Navy noted that the NRP Sines recently took part in the Open Sea 2025 mission.
This initiative included visits to several West African countries and provided humanitarian assistance to the Cape Verdean populations affected by Storm Erin, showcasing “the versatility and commitment of the crew to maritime security and international cooperation.”
In a statement, the Navy mentioned on Saturday that the NRP Viana do Castelo had departed for the Lisbon Naval Base, after completing a four-month mission in the Azores.
During the mission, which began on August 7, the ship logged 1,202 navigation hours, covering 10,740 nautical miles, while completing essential tasks vital for national sovereignty, jurisdiction, and maritime security.
Notably, the mission included three complex search and rescue operations and several naval presence, surveillance, and area control missions, focusing on the protection of marine reserves and high-fishing-pressure zones, thereby reinforcing the Navy’s role in fighting illegal fishing and conservation efforts.
The ship also participated in various training exercises, including the PASSEX interoperability exercise with the Spanish Navy and the International Search and Rescue Exercise – ASAREX25.
Under the command of Lieutenant Rogério Castello-Branco dos Santos, the NRP Viana do Castelo comprises a crew of 41 Navy military personnel.
