The ship will assist with hydrographic research, reinforcement of divers, and water pumping capabilities. “We still have accumulated water, particularly in many houses, and with Civil Protection, they will navigate the city to identify where they can help,” stated Cape Verde’s Minister of Internal Administration, Paulo Rocha, at the port of Mindelo upon the ship’s arrival.
The NRP Sines arrived on the island following Monday’s storm, which resulted in nine deaths, destruction of homes, roads, and bridges, and left entire neighborhoods flooded.
It is equipped with drones for capturing aerial images in hard-to-reach areas, divers, and teams prepared to support the population, in addition to hydrographic capabilities if requested by Cape Verdean authorities.
“Much has been accomplished in these days. The city now has a different face, life begins to return to normal in São Vicente, but challenges remain. It will be a great help,” emphasized Paulo Rocha, adding that the ship also has some capacity for water production.
The ship has already provided 10 tons, a daily quantity planned for the dialysis center at the Batista de Sousa Hospital, while the water production and distribution company, Electra, continues repairing damages at the offshore water capture station, which was surrounded by water and mud due to a landslide.
According to the minister, the NRP Sines may also assist in transporting water from Santo Antão, an island with a daily reserve of around 200 tons, either via ships or tank trucks.
The ship can additionally draw water directly from the sea, desalinate it, and supply it even during inter-island trips if necessary.
The Counselor of the Portuguese Embassy in Cape Verde, Nuno Félix, stated the goal is “to work side by side with the Cape Verdean authorities, civil protection, the military, and also with civil society, which has put in a tremendous effort rebuilding the city of Mindelo.”
Additionally, he mentioned that the primary mission is the water supply to the hospital, especially for the dialysis sector.
The crew, commanded by Lieutenant Captain Vítor Manuel Silva Santos, includes 12 members with specific training in mechanics and electricity.
The Cape Verdean government declared a state of calamity for six months in São Vicente, Porto Novo (Santo Antão), and the two municipalities of São Nicolau.
The São Vicente Municipal Council has begun distributing subsidies to the families of the deceased and is preparing support for the displaced.
A woman was rescued alive, and one person remains missing.
Countries such as Timor-Leste, Guinea-Bissau, Portugal, and São Tomé and Príncipe have expressed solidarity with Cape Verde.
