Portuguese Navy rescues Swedish sailor after sailboat fire

The Portuguese Navy rescued a 69-year-old Swedish sailor on Sunday night after a fire broke out on his sailboat off the coast of Cabo da Roca. The man issued an emergency alert via 112 at approximately 11:45 PM, reporting that he had been forced to abandon his vessel.

The Ocean Patrol Ship NRP Figueira da Foz was dispatched to the location, which was approximately 2.5 miles from the coast. Upon arrival, military personnel inspected the sailboat and confirmed it was empty following the fire. The sailor was subsequently located in a small auxiliary boat drifting nearby.

After being rescued and brought aboard the NRP Figueira da Foz, the man was evaluated by the medical team. He was reported to be in good health and was later transported to shore by a vessel from the Institute of Sea and Coast Rescue (Instituto de Socorros a Náufragos).