A French couple became lost in the mountains between Encumeada and São Vicente in Madeira on Tuesday. They were located by the Search and Rescue Brigade of the Public Security Police (PSP) and the Forest Police.
The couple alerted authorities at 17:03 via the emergency number 112, explaining that they could not find their way back to their vehicle.
The call was transferred to the Regional Civil Protection Service, activating resources from the Fire Department and the Forest Police, who were dispatched to the location.
Despite efforts until nearly 23:00, the couple could not be found, although it was determined via their mobile phone that they were in a safe area, albeit off a recommended trail, and in good health, stated the Madeira Regional Command in a communiqué.
The search resumed yesterday morning with the involvement of the PSP Search and Rescue Brigade, Forest Police elements, and a drone team from the Regional Civil Protection Service.
The first verbal contact with the couple, aged 28 and 39, occurred at around 11:00, and they were located shortly thereafter. They showed signs of dehydration and mild hypothermia.
After receiving first aid, the couple was escorted to the Encumeada Forest Post and subsequently returned to their vehicle. They did not require hospital treatment.
In a statement, the PSP and the SRPC once again remind the public, especially tourists, to take precautions when engaging in hiking (levadas), particularly concerning appropriate clothing and equipment, daytime preferred journeys considering the suggested scheduling, recommended paths, and sustenance (food) provisions.
