The new vessel was assigned by the National Maritime Authority (AMN), through the Institute for Aid to Shipwrecked People (ISN) and came to “reinforce the response capacity and operational device of the Lifeguard Station, improving the effectiveness of maritime rescue and search and rescue operations”, states a press release.

The new vessel, which is under the jurisdiction of the Aveiro Port Authority, replaced a previous vessel measuring seven meters in length and equipped with two 50 horsepower engines, designed to navigate in areas with low sea agitation, close to the coast and in inland waters.

During a visit to the Jardim Oudinot anchorage, in Gafanha da Nazaré, the commander of the Aveiro Port Authority and the Aveiro Maritime Police, Frigate Captain Ricardo Guerreiro, highlighted the advantages of the new vessel.

“It is a means that combines agility and speed with a robust structure, capable of facing the demanding conditions of the sea and represents an extraordinary reinforcement for our maritime rescue and rescue capacity,” he said.

Measuring 11 meters in length and with a range of 300 nautical miles (about 500 kilometers) at cruising speed, the new vessel is equipped with ocean navigation technology, advanced communication and instruments for rescue missions.

It also has first aid equipment and the capacity to take on board a doctor and transport stretchers, features that the previous life raft did not have.

The jurisdiction of the Port Authority of Aveiro is the second largest in the country and covers both sheltered and oceanic waters.