A couple of tourists, aged 32 and 37, were rescued from a levada on the island of Madeira in the early hours of Wednesday, October 1st, after losing their way in the São Vicente area.
In a statement, the Public Security Police (PSP) disclosed that the rescue request was made around 9:30 PM by the tourists themselves.
They informed authorities that they were in an “unknown area” and were “disoriented, malnourished” and, given the poor visibility conditions, they decided to remain where they were.
After coordination with the Regional Service of Civil Protection (SRPC), the PSP Search and Rescue Brigade was activated, proceeding to the site and conducting initial procedures to locate the tourists, aided by reference coordinates provided by them.
By 1:45 AM, the couple was detected on the levada, successfully rescued to a safe area, given assistance, and transported to a local accommodation facility by the PSP.
The PSP and SRPC, in the same statement, once again “warn the population, especially tourists, about the precautions needed when undertaking walking trails (levadas), especially concerning wearing appropriate clothing and equipment, hiking during daylight hours considering the established schedule for the route, recommended pathways, and subsistence means (food).”
