Speaking to the Lusa agency, PSP commissioner João Góis said that the entities involved in the operation met this morning to share all the information they have so far, and it was decided to “reduce the search area to the Fajã da Sand”.
Searches have been taking place since 9 am in low and high areas, particularly on some adjacent pedestrian routes, revealed the PSP commissioner, adding that sea conditions did not allow the activation of maritime resources.
The tourists, a man and a woman of French nationality, aged 58 and 56, were last seen on Saturday, in the area of Site do Calhau, in the parish of São Vicente, where they were staying.
According to the PSP, the warning was given by the daughter of the couple, who that day chose to rest in the accommodation, while their parents decided to go for a walk nearby.
The police said that a witness at the scene indicated that he saw the tourists walking towards Porto Moniz.
The operation is being coordinated by the Regional Command of the Public Security Police (PSP) of Madeira, in which the Judiciary Police (PJ), the National Republican Guard (GNR), the Madeira Operational Command, the Regional Service of Civil Protection, SANAS and the Maritime Authority.
The searches involve teams of drone operators from the Civil Protection and Operational Command and also the PSP’s kinesthetic brigade.
The PJ was involved in the operation to investigate a possible criminal situation, although, so far, there are no suspicions.
