The Portuguese Navy coordinated on Thursday south of the island of Sao Miguel in the Azores the rescue of four crew members of the Margaret 2, which was competing in the World Toughest Row transatlantic regatta this Friday. – announced the fair.
According to a press release, the Portuguese Navy coordinated rescue operations through the Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center of Ponta Delgada (MRCC Delgada) together with the Orientation Center for Emergency Patients at Sea (CODU-MAR) after receiving an alert that stated that the rowing vessel had passed 1,200 nautical miles (about 2,200 kilometers) south of San Miguel Island.
According to the report, MRCC Delgada received the alert on Thursday at 12:27 local time (13:27 in Lisbon) through the Cospas-Sarsat system (an international search and rescue program that uses satellites to detect and find signs of an emergency).
“Information was provided to the regatta organization that one of the crew members developed symptoms of a possible heart attack and died a few minutes later,” the Navy said.
The Liberian-flagged cargo ship Charles, “which was 70 nautical miles, approximately 129 kilometers, south of the stranded vessel, was mobilized to assist, successfully completing the rescue of three living crew members and a body at about 10:18 p.m. fourth crew member,” he added.
After the operation, the ship continued its journey to its destination port in Norway.
MRCC Delgada, CODU MAR and merchant ship Charles took part in the search and rescue operations.
According to the Navy, the COSPAS-SARSAT system “is an international search and rescue program that uses satellites to detect and locate emergency signals transmitted by emergency radio beacons (ELTs), aircraft emergency radio beacons (EPIRBs), and personal radio beacons. (PLB).”
“The COSPAS-SARSAT signal refers to the emergency radio signal transmitted by these beacons. When a person or ship is in danger, they can activate a radio beacon, which emits a distress signal. COSPAS-SARSAT satellites in orbit receive these signals and transmit them to centers that coordinate search and rescue operations,” he explained.
Also, according to the source, COSPAS-SARSAT signals “are critical to helping locate and rescue people in emergency situations, especially in remote areas where traditional communications may be limited.”
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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