Lifeguard Missing in Funchal After Being Swept Away by Wave
Search and rescue operations were suspended for the night and are scheduled to resume at sunrise amid severe weather conditions.
Search and rescue teams in Funchal suspended operations on Sunday evening for a 37-year-old lifeguard who went missing after being caught and dragged out to sea by a powerful wave during the afternoon. The incident occurred in the Lido area, according to a press release from the National Maritime Authority.
The rescue efforts, which were called off at 6:11 PM without locating the missing individual, are coordinated by the Harbor Master and Local Commander of the Funchal Maritime Police. Authorities confirmed that the search will resume at daybreak.
The emergency response began shortly after an alert was received at 2:18 PM from a bystander near the scene. In response, rescue crew members from the Funchal Lifeboat Station were deployed by sea, while personnel from the Captaincy and the Funchal Maritime Police Command searched by land.
Additionally, a Portuguese Air Force aircraft was dispatched to assist in scanning the area from above. The Maritime Police Psychology Office was also activated to provide support, as multi-agency teams worked through challenging conditions to find the missing lifeguard.
According to reports, the victim was working on duty near a local hotel when he got into difficulty in the water earlier in the afternoon. Although witnesses briefly spotted him amidst the rough surf, he eventually disappeared beneath the waves.
The regional archipelago has been severely battered by Storm Bruna, which brought hazardous maritime conditions, high waves, and extremely dangerous coastal environments. The severe weather has caused widespread disruption across the region.
In the wake of the storm, nine individuals were displaced from their homes due to the extreme weather. Storm Bruna triggered localized flooding and felled numerous trees, leading to the cancellation of dozens of flights.
Furthermore, multiple roadways and public spaces remain closed or heavily restricted, particularly affecting high-altitude areas and coastal zones in both Funchal and Câmara de Lobos as emergency crews continue to manage the aftermath.