The Portuguese Air Force (FAP) shared a video with the Notícias ao Minuto showcasing the “complex rescue” of a 31-year-old tourist who illegally ascended Pico Mountain in the Azores and lost his way from the official trail.
The footage reveals the military approaching the mountain in an EH-101 Merlin helicopter. One soldier exits the aircraft to descend to the Dutch individual, rescuing him from the cliff where he ended up.
The video clearly demonstrates the challenging nature of the rescue, which could have been avoided if the tourist had visited Casa da Montanha, as required, before starting his visit.
In a statement sent to newsrooms, the Air Force provided details of the incident from the time it was activated.
Trapped in a “steep area, at 7,000 feet altitude”
According to the military, the man was “trapped in a steep area of the mountain, approximately 7,000 feet [about 2,134 meters] in altitude” in a “very difficult access area—the northern slope of the mountain, known as Areiro de Santa Luzia—making extraction via land unsafe.”
The Air Force also noted that the tourist showed “signs of exhaustion and dehydration.”
He himself contacted the Lajes Search and Rescue Coordination Center (RCC Lajes) of the Air Force, “requesting assistance and providing vital rescue information, including location sharing, physical conditions, remaining phone battery, and water supply available.”
“Immediately, RCC Lajes reported to Casa da Montanha, responsible for the support and control of ascents and descents on Pico Mountain, which activated a rescue team from the Madalena Firefighters,” reveals the FAP.
During the on-ground search, “RCC Lajes was the liaison between the man and the rescue team.” However, his exact location became “more difficult and time-consuming” due to his “constant movement.”
After evaluating the situation, “for safety reasons,” the rescue team deemed land extraction unfeasible due to the risk to the operatives and the individual, recommending aerial resources, as already stated, to Notícias ao Minuto, by the Madalena Volunteer Firefighters Commander, Lisa Cunha.
A foreign national required a rescue by the Portuguese Air Force on Thursday after climbing Pico Island’s mountain in the Azores without authorization and off the trail.
Natacha Nunes Costa | 11:57 – 25/07/2025
Requested by the Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service of the Azores, the Air Force helicopter, stationed at Air Base No. 4 on Terceira Island, was activated and immediately dispatched to the location.
The victim was successfully rescued one hour later and transported to Pico Airport, from where he proceeded to a local health unit by land transport.
The helicopter from Squadron 752 – Phoenix returned to the unit, covering a total of two flight hours.
Fine and rescue expenses
It should be noted that the tourist in question may face a fine—amounting to thousands of euros—as determined by Notícias ao Minuto, for failing to register at Casa da Montanha and not having the necessary equipment.
Additionally, as emphasized by the Casa da Montanha, on the Government of the Azores’ official site, he may also have to cover “the expenses incurred for the rescue conducted due to the non-compliance, even if negligent, with the regulations.”
