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GUADIANA TOURIST BOAT SINKS |
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Friday, 02 June 2006 |
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The Captaincy of the Port of Villa Real de Santo António (VRSA) is investigating the causes of a fire which broke out on the maritime-touristic boat "Turismar". The fire started in the boat's engine room when it was on the Guadiana River, near to Foz de Odeleite, last week. The alarm was raised with the Villa Real Port Captaincy, which could do nothing to assist, as the boat had already sunk, reveals a source from the Portuguese Navy.
The "Turismar", which makes trips on the Guadiana between VRSA and Alcoutim, measured around 13 metres in length and had 22 people, comprising 20 passengers and 2 crew, on board at the time of the accident.
According to the same source, "the operations were directed by the Captain of the Port, Comander Rodrigues Campos, during which the Navy brought in a semi-rigid boat from the Lifeboat Station of VRSA, a boat and human resources from the Captaincy of VRSA, the Maritime Police and the Lifeboat Station. Also collaborating in the rescue effort were the Fire Services of Vila Real de Santo António".
The accident resulted in 6 light injuries which were attended to by the SAP (Service of Permament Attendance) of Vila Real de Santo António.
Measures to combat pollution were also in readiness at the site of the accident, but were not activated.
The motor vessel had been inspected in March of this year by the Captaincy of the Port of VRSA, and "met all the safety conditions for undertaking the activity for which it was licensed", assured the Navy.
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 17 June 2006 )
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