The Navy carried out 313 search and rescue operations in the first eight months of the year, saving an equal number of lives.
The Funchal Maritime Search and Rescue Sub-Centre coordinated two operations that resulted in the rescue of five people, the Navy revealed.
During the same period, 28 incidents were recorded within the area of responsibility of the Lisbon Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), with 46 people rescued. Meanwhile, the Ponta Delgada MRCC coordinated 13 search and rescue operations, resulting in the rescue of nine people.
According to released data, during the first eight months of 2026, the Navy carried out 313 search and rescue operations, resulting in 313 lives saved.
The success of these operations depends on coordination among various entities, notably the Navy, the National Maritime Authority, the Portuguese Air Force, INEM/CODU-MAR, national and regional Civil Protection services, fire departments, maritime and port authorities, and the Coastal Traffic Control System.
The Navy also highlights the contribution of merchant and fishing vessels that, whenever necessary, divert from their routes or interrupt their work to assist in operations, under the coordination of the national centers in Lisbon and Ponta Delgada.
These coordination centers—which have received national and international recognition—maintain a permanent response capability for safeguarding human life at sea, 24 hours a day, year-round.
