Ten people were rescued this Friday within the span of an hour in the area of Cacela Velha, in the district of Faro.
The rescued individuals were “in difficulty” while attempting to cross the Ria Formosa, in an unguarded area, after being swept away by the current at the Cacela Velha inlet.
“Between 3 PM and 4 PM, during the spring tide high water (a period of large tidal ranges), 10 people were detected in need of assistance, struggling in the water after being swept away by the strong current in the Cacela Velha area,” details the National Maritime Authority (AMN).
According to the authorities, six of the victims were “promptly rescued by the crews of the Tavira and Vila Real de Santo António Lifesaving Stations, and the remaining four by members of the ‘SeaWatch’ Project.” The latter four individuals were transported to land and were “physically well and did not require medical assistance.”
“The Cacela Velha inlet is an area not recommended for bathing due to the dangers it presents, however, there is still a large influx of people,” warns the AMN, stating that it currently has “two vessels from the Tavira and Vila Real de Santo António Lifesaving Stations, an Amarok vehicle from the ‘SeaWatch’ Project, a jet ski, a quad bike, and a boat from the Tavira Maritime Police Local Command” deployed in the area.
