On the night of 31 October, the Air Force rescued a 75-year-old woman who was aboard a ship sailing 112 kilometres from Porto Santo, in the Madeira Archipelago. 

The rescue was carried out by a crew from Squadron 751 — “Pumas”, using an EH-101 Merlin helicopter, stationed at Aerodrome No. 3 in Porto Santo.

After the rescue, the elderly woman was transported to Funchal to be taken to a hospital. 

The mission, carried out at night, was successful and ensured the patient's rapid and safe transport.

At the request of the Navy Search and Rescue Coordination Centre, the activation of the Air Force's air resources was coordinated by the Air Force's Search and Rescue Centre in Lisbon. 

Throughout the country, the Air Force maintains crews on alert to respond to any situation, whether on land or at sea. 

When we fly, we protect!