According to the Portuguese Navy, the Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Lisbon coordinated 318 search and rescue operations, in which 433 people were saved, while the Ponta Delgada centre coordinated 135 operations, and 78 people were saved.

It adds that the Funchal centre coordinated 58 search operations in which 78 people were saved.

"The Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centres have already been recognized nationally and internationally with several awards and maintain their zeal for safeguarding human life at sea, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year," emphasizes the Navy.

He adds that different organizations contribute to the success of this search and rescue system, such as the National Maritime Authority, the Air Force, INEM (National Institute of Medical Emergency), Civil Protection, and firefighters.

The Navy also mentions that it often relies on the support of merchant ships and fishing vessels, "which deviate from their commercial routes and interrupt their professional activity to provide the necessary assistance."