A new lifeboat was inaugurated at the port of Viana do Castelo, in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island, announced the National Maritime Authority in a press release.
During the event, the director-general of the Maritime Authority, Vice Admiral Nuno Chaves Ferreira, emphasized the significance of this new asset for the region. He recalled that for decades, the crew of the Lifeboat Station has been called to intervene “in adverse weather conditions, in high-risk scenarios, and often in situations where every minute counts.”
“This vessel is intended for activities related to maritime safety, the protection of human life at sea, and enhancing the response capabilities of the National Maritime Authority in the Azores archipelago,” the statement noted.
The National Maritime Authority highlights that this vessel offers “greater autonomy, improved navigation capabilities, modern navigation systems, comfort, and protection for rescued castaways.”
A demonstration of the lifeboat was conducted at the end of the ceremony, showcasing the procedures for rescuing a castaway, with the support of a vessel from Portos dos Açores.
