The results of the operation, named ‘Mergulhão’, were revealed during a press conference by the Northern Regional Commander of the Maritime Police, Rui Lampreia.
“We managed to recover three complete diving equipment sets, which is quite significant, along with approximately 15 kilograms of clams that were also seized,” stated the commander, noting that as of 5:30 PM, searches were still underway to recover more equipment that had likely been abandoned underwater by the divers.
Rui Lampreia emphasized the impact of this operation on an illegal and unregulated activity that occurs throughout the Aveiro Lagoon, indicating that it was a display of strength by the Maritime Police to counteract a trend that has been growing in recent years.
“The major deterrent that results from this operation is the seizure of autonomous diving equipment. These diving gear sets are extremely expensive. This is where we can make the most impact on the activity, by seizing such equipment,” he commented.
The commander further highlighted that the operation proceeded normally and without incidents, despite the complexity of involving divers and surface vessels, adding that the objective is to increase surveillance activity in the lagoon.
In total, according to the Maritime Police data, six recreational boats were inspected, and approximately 20 people suspected of this activity were identified and face penalties.
The operation mobilized 96 personnel from the Maritime Police and the Special Police Units, from the Algarve, Central, and Northern commands, alongside six vessels, 20 vehicles, and four drones.
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