A statement from the National Maritime Authority (AMN) reports that a woman was rescued by members of the ‘SeaWatch’ project after being swept away by strong currents at the Cacela Velha bar, an unsupervised bathing area in Vila Real de Santo António, Faro district.
The 29-year-old woman encountered difficulties while crossing the Ria Formosa and required assistance. She was “promptly rescued” and taken to shore, where she remained safe without needing medical attention, the statement added.
The Cacela Velha bar is considered a dangerous area for swimming due to the hazards it presents, despite high visitor numbers. This has led authorities to reinforce their advisory against beach activities in the area.
On the same Saturday, members of the ‘SeaWatch’ project, which is part of the National Maritime Authority, assisted a 41-year-old woman who reportedly felt unwell at Monte Gordo beach, also in the Vila Real de Santo António municipality.
Following an alert received at 4:20 PM from the Vila Real de Santo António and Castro Marim Fire Department, ‘SeaWatch’ personnel provided aid and stabilized the woman, transporting her from the beach support area to an ambulance, which then took her to a hospital.
