Tourist Dies After Being Rescued From Water at Praia Formosa

Emergency Response to a Swimmer Unconscious in the Waters At Praia Formosa

A foreign man in his 50s was found unconscious this afternoon at Praia Formosa, in Funchal, Madeira. Authorities reported that the Sub-Center for Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination of Funchal (MRSC Funchal) received a call at 17:44 from the Regional Civil Protection Service about

A swimmer lying face down, unconscious in the water at Praia Formosa.

Captain Bruno Ferreira Teles, head of the Port of Funchal, Diário de Notícias Madeira

A lifeboat from the Funchal Station was sent to the scene. Rescuers found four people in the water: the victim, two lifeguards from Praia Formosa, and a lifeguard from the National Maritime Authority’s Sea Watch project. The lifeboat took the victim and the Sea Watch lifeguard on board and transported them to Cais 8 at the Port of Funchal.

Wife in a State of Shock as Resuscitation Efforts Proved Unsuccessful

Basic life support was performed on the man aboard the rescue boat and continued on land by a Madeira Volunteer Firefighters ambulance crew. “The victim was not declared dead at Cais 8” Captain Teles explained, stressing that attempts at resuscitation were carried out during the entire transfer.

Despite these efforts, hospital sources later confirmed that the man was pronounced dead after arrival at Dr. Nélio Mendonça Hospital. His wife was transported to the hospital in a state of shock by the Funchal Sapadores Fire Brigade.

Lifeguards and Maritime Authority Involved

The rescue involved several different emergency services. Lifeguards stationed at Praia Formosa, personnel from the Sea Watch project, and the Madeira Volunteer Firefighters all took part in the operation. No further information about the man’s identity or nationality have been made public.

Red Flag and Safety Warnings Issued Earlier This Week

While the exact reason of the death has not been disclosed, local officials had previously warned beachgoers of unusual sea conditions. Earlier this week, Frente MarFunchal used social media to alert the public about strong waves and higher than normal tides. On Wednesday morning, a red flag was raised at Praia Formosa, signaling dangerous conditions for swimming.

Source: Diário de Notícias Madeira