Dramatic Air Rescue: Crew Member Saved from Cargo Ship in Distress

Urgent Rescue Operation

A crew member aboard the Canopée cargo ship, located 230 km off the coast of Porto, experienced a sudden illness requiring immediate medical attention. The Portuguese Air Force was alerted and promptly dispatched a rescue helicopter.

Helicopter Deployment

The EH-101 Merlin helicopter took off from Base Aérea N.º 6 in Montijo at 10:00 AM, heading to the distressed vessel. Despite the ship's unconventional design, particularly its sails, the Esquadra 751 - 'Pumas' successfully executed the operation.

Medical Assistance Provided

Upon rescue, the patient received initial medical care from a military nurse from the Aeromedical Evacuations Unit of the Air Force. The individual was then transported to Aeroporto Sá Carneiro in Porto for further treatment.

Search and Rescue Coordination

This mission, lasting nearly four hours, was coordinated by the Lisbon Search and Rescue Coordination Center (RCC Lisboa), following a request from the Lisbon Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC Lisboa) of the Portuguese Navy. The Air Force is responsible for a vast 5,816,562 square kilometers search and rescue area, covering more than half of Europe, and maintains constant readiness across the Continente, Azores, and Madeira.