In a statement, the National Maritime Authority (AMN) states that the crew were found four nautical miles (about seven kilometres) from São Julião beach.

“Upon arrival at the sailboat, the elements of the Lifeguard Station found that the two crew were in good physical condition, having proceeded to tow the sailboat to the marina in Cascais, for safety reasons for navigation”, says AMN.

In conjunction with the Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests (ICNF), AMN takes the opportunity to recommend "to all mariners that, in the event of sighting of these mammals, the engine be turned off, in order to inhibit the rotation of the propeller, and immobilise the steering wheel, thus discouraging these mammals to interact with the mobile structures of the vessels”.

The alert for the occurrence was given at 04:13.