João Quintal, a 37-year-old lifeguard, is still missing five days after a wave allegedly swept him into the sea off Funchal. Authorities called off the search without results on Tuesday evening, just as a second storm bore down on Madeira.
Quintal was on duty at a hotel in Funchal's Lido area when he disappeared. His father has since paid tribute to him online, in a Facebook post that has drawn thousands of reactions.
Lifeguard, 37, Vanished During Sunday's Storm Bruna
Quintal went missing on Sunday, 8 November, at around 14:20. He was working as a lifeguard at a hotel in Funchal's Lido district when he was allegedly dragged into the sea by a powerful wave. Storm Bruna was affecting Madeira at the time.
He was 37 years old, from Funchal, and lived in the city. According to the report, he had two young children.
Search Called Off Tuesday Evening Without Results
Crews searched for Quintal's body by sea, land and air. The Funchal Lifeguard Station sent crews out by boat.
On land, the Maritime Police Command and Madeira's Operational Command used a drone in the search. An Air Force helicopter also searched from above.
The National Maritime Authority confirmed the search was interrupted without results by Tuesday evening. From Wednesday, 11 November, it continues only as part of routine daily coastal patrols, not as a dedicated operation.
A Father's Tribute
Following an emotional message posted by Jorge Quintal in honor of his son, a wave of community sympathy has flooded in, with countless people offering warm words of solace to the family as they navigate their loss.
You left, my son. On my face I still feel your last kiss. You who saved so many, no one saved you. Fate wanted the waves to take you. You left for work and never came back. A wave took you, and we are still waiting for a wave to bring you back, to give you one last kiss. I did not go with you on that wave, but my heart went with it too.
Jorge Quintal, father of João Quintal
Source: noticiasaominuto.com
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