Archives: Situation Reports

 

Algarve Situation Report Wednesday 31st July 2024

by Mike Evans

A very good day to you all. The next few weeks across the Algarve are full of festivals of all kinds which brings more visitors to the region. This week we have the start of the Sardine festival in Portimao and the Chicken festival in Guia as well as many more in the many villages and towns across the region. Travelling to and from these different places is becoming a difficult exercise for many as the main road through the region, the N125, is full to capacity during much of the day. We have seen a number of accidents in the past week which have resulted in the death of at least three people as well as other serious injuries. Having driven along this road quite extensively this week you can see that the idea of “patience” doesn’t seem to be part of many drivers’ thinking! Let’s hope that the next few weeks are not littered with more accidents and tragic loss of life. Remember, a few extra minutes getting to your destination can save your life as well as other road users.

Now a look at some of the other stories from around the region from the past week.

Collision on EN 125 leaves two dead and one seriously injured

Two people died this Sunday, the 28th, in a collision between two cars, on the National Road (EN) 125, in Almancil, in the municipality of Loulé , revealed a source from Civil Protection.

According to a source from the Algarve Regional Emergency and Civil Protection Command, the accident, which occurred at around 6:22 am, also left one person seriously injured, who was taken to Faro hospital.

The accident, which occurred on the Troto Variant, caused the road to be closed in both directions. At 10:15 a.m., a team of 16 operators, supported by nine vehicles, were still on site.

This accident brings to three the number of deaths in road accidents that occurred over the weekend on the EN 125, in the Almancil area. On Saturday morning, a collision between a bus and a car had already caused the death of the driver of the light vehicle.

One dead in collision between bus and car in Almancil

A man died this Saturday, the 27th, in a collision between a bus and the car he was driving, on the National Road (EN) 125, in Almancil, in the municipality of Loulé , said a source from Civil Protection .

According to a source from the Algarve Regional Emergency and Civil Protection Command, the accident, which occurred at around 8:00 am, did not cause any injuries, and traffic was affected, with traffic being alternated.

The accident occurred in the Faro – Loulé direction. According to CM, the fatal victim is the Algarve musician Paul Camilo, 50 years old, guitarist of the band Karapaus Allimads.

Man arrested in Portimão for thefts from several establishments

The Faro PSP District Command , through the Criminal Investigation Squad of the Portimão Police Division, arrested a 35-year-old man, accused of committing several qualified thefts, it was announced today.

Following an investigation carried out over the last few months, it was possible to determine “that the suspect made a living by committing thefts in various commercial establishments, such as supermarkets, pharmacies and perfumeries, later exchanging the stolen items for narcotic products”, details the PSP in a statement.

“In order to put an end to these crimes and restore a sense of security to traders in the city of Portimão, the PSP carried out a swift investigation, which allowed the suspect to be identified, who was located and arrested yesterday,” the note continues. After the first judicial interrogation, he was given the coercive measure of preventive detention.

The PSP believes it has put an end to this criminal phenomenon, which had been causing some “uneasiness” among traders in the city of Portimão.

Three arrested for beach thefts in Portimao

The GNR arrested three men suspected of thefts, between Monday and Wednesday, in Portimão, as part of an investigation aimed at combating thefts in the Algarve’s beach areas, the security force announced.

The detainees are between 27 and 50 years old and were located by members of the Portimão Criminal Investigation Unit, “on the public highway”, and were “in possession of material to commit this type of theft” and “various stolen material, which is why they were detained”, the GNR said in a statement.

After approaching the detainees, a house search was carried out “which allowed the recovery and seizure of several items”, namely a vehicle, a camera, six cell phones, four computers, a drone, 950 euros, 15 Canadian dollars and 56 US dollars, two watches and several electronic components, he listed. “The action was reinforced by military personnel from the Lagoa Territorial Post and the Beja Traffic Detachment (DT), with two other individuals also being named as defendants,” he concluded.

Jail for ringleaders of gang that terrorised immigrants in OIhão

The two main ringleaders of a gang of young teens that terrorised Indian and Nepalese immigrants in the Algarve town of Olhão last year have both been sentenced to seven years in prison (one year of which will be commuted due to the recent papal amnesty).

Both youths, now aged 17, have been held in preventive custody since their arrests last year. A third teen, also arrested last year and equally charged with aggravated assault, violent damage and theft, was handed a five year sentence, suspended – while a fourth youngster was found not guilty of all counts against him.

Defence lawyer André Caetano has commented that the sentences for the ringleaders, in his opinion, are still “very heavy”. “We are going to appeal”, he told Correio da Manhã.

For the time being, the 17-year-olds will continue to remain in preventive custody, serving their time in Leiria’s prison establishment for young people.

The panel of judges considered the behaviour of all the youngsters involved to have been “repugnant and very serious”.This was an incident that became nationally notorious, as images of the attacks were widely shared online.

President Marcelo travelled down to Olhão to personally apologise to one of the immigrants at the time.

 

Navy seizes fishing gear in Algarve marine park

The Portuguese Navy announced on Tuesday that it found and removed 59 cage traps from the Algarve Marine Natural Park – Pedra do Valado, where the use of this kind of fishing gear is prohibited. The Navy said in a statement that the fishing gear was detected on Monday during a maritime patrol and surveillance operation in the recently created marine reserve off the coast of Albufeira, Lagoa, and Silves.

As fishing is prohibited  in the marine reserve, the Navy collected the cage traps at the behest of Portimão’s port captain. In its statement, the Navy stressed that using this type of fishing gear can be detrimental to the “development of corals on the rocky bottom, as it significantly affects the conservation of biodiversity” in an area which is meant to be protected. The Algarve Marine Natural Park – Pedra do Valado was created in January this year to protect biodiversity and promote the sustainable management of resources.

The reserve is one of the richest areas in terms of biodiversity in Portugal and is also the largest coastal reef in the Algarve and one of the largest in Portugal, with natural values considered unrivalled along the national coast.

The Natural Park comprises the area between the Alfanzina Lighthouse, in the municipality of Lagoa, and the Albufeira marina, totalling an area of approximately 156 square kilometres.

At Pedra do Valado, 889 of the 1,294 species of fauna and flora found on the Algarve coast were identified, 24 of which have protected status, with the discovery of 45 new species for Portugal and 12 new species for science that are not known elsewhere, according to the website of the Algarve Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR).

All human activities, including fishing and recreational boating, are prohibited on the site.

Albufeira tourism behaviour campaign starts 

An awareness campaign on rules and behaviours starts today, 29th July in Albufeira, the local authority announced. In a note, the Municipality stresses that it is working on several fronts with a view to “disciplining” behaviours in public spaces, so that “the good image of Albufeira is restored, both to the satisfaction of residents and tourists”, explains José Carlos Rolo.

The mayor points out the problem of certain groups, “but it cannot be generalised, as the behaviour of some cannot be taken as a reflection of the identity of any country”.

Seven actions are underway, such as a behavioural awareness campaign, using billboards, posters, a brochure and other materials; a campaign to promote the destination is also being carried out in partnership with the company IPDT- Turismo; 70 video surveillance cameras are being installed; human surveillance has already been increased in the areas of Oura and the “downtown” part of the city, with the help of the Firefighters Association, the Portuguese Red Cross, the GNR, the Municipal Civil Protection Service and the Municipal Police, as well as other law enforcement agencies. In addition, a new code of behaviour is being drawn up, which should be completed by the end of this summer; the draft amendment to the Municipal Noise Regulation is being reviewed; and finally, the proposal to revise the Municipal Regulations for the Operation of Establishments will be presented at the Council Meeting tomorrow. As regards the behavioural awareness campaign, the distribution of flyers, stickers and a brochure has already begun. According to the local authority, Albufeira now has more security, surveillance and inspection agents on the streets, “for a faster and more effective response to any problem that arises”, day or night.

“The less than positive image of Albufeira must change very soon and I will not allow any lack of respect for our work, neither for the leisure of our tourists, nor for the work of all those who live in Albufeira, regardless of their origin or social status”, says the mayor.

José Carlos Rolo also requested the help of the British Consulate to implement campaigns and actions in Albufeira, as are done in other countries, with a view to “ensuring greater security, comfort and satisfaction for all tourists, who are also disturbed by the widespread perception of a less than positive image of their identity, when Albufeira’s relations with the entire United Kingdom have always been, and throughout many years of history, one of great cordiality and mutual admiration”.

In addition to all this, tendering procedures are also underway for more and better lighting in certain public places, especially in the coastal area, an increase in the number of litter bins on the streets and more cleaning professionals, and noise monitoring has already begun on some streets.

Until the next time stay safe

 

The Algarve Situation Report Wednesday 24th July 2024

by Mike Evans

A very warm welcome to you all and with the current temperatures along the Algarve in the high 30’s I am sure we are all looking at ways to stay cool. If you have any special ideas please let us know through our facebook page.

Last week l started the report by highlighting the extra traffic we can now expect on our roads due to the influx of tourists. Well, this week has been a particularly bad week on the roads with the GNR recording  a total of 230 accidents in the Faro district alone last week, resulting in three deaths, four serious injuries and 38 minor injuries, it was announced on Monday.

In a statement, the GNR’s Faro Territorial Command states that, in the week of July 15 to 21, 517 traffic violations were detected, the majority of which were for speeding (90).

That security force also made 46 arrests, namely, 18 for driving under the influence of alcohol, 11 for driving without a legal licence and nine for drug trafficking shows that there really is no hiding place for those who feel they can flout the law. During the same period, the GNR seized 165 doses of heroin, 45 of hashish and 15,860 euros, the note concludes.

The three deaths in the week were as a result of a crash between two motorbikes at the start of the Bike Fest in Faro. More details of this in the report following.

Woman of 45 dies in a house on the island of Armona

A 45-year-old woman died in the early hours of this Tuesday, in a house on the island of Armona, in the municipality of Olhão, with the causes of this occurrence unknown.

Upon arrival at the scene, it was found that “it was a 45-year-old woman, who was promptly assisted by INEM personnel, who performed resuscitation manoeuvres”.

“As it was not possible to reverse the situation, death was declared on site by the INEM doctor, and the body was later transported to the National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences in Faro, after contact with the Public Prosecutor’s Office”, can be read in the note published by AMN .

The Maritime Police Psychology Office has been activated. The local command of the Maritime Police of Olhão took charge of the incident.

Albufeira urges beachgoers to keep safe distance from cliffs

With the arrival of summer, Albufeira has resumed its yearly awareness campaign in which it warns beachgoers about the dangers of cliffs.

It’s been 15 years since a family of five was killed by falling rocks on Albufeira’s Maria Luísa beach, but the impact of the tragedy is still felt today.

In an effort to avoid similar tragedies from occurring, the local council organises an awareness campaign every summer, targeted at beachgoers who may be unaware of just how unstable cliffs at Algarve beach can be. They are advised to respect the signposting at beaches and the safety distances indicated in order to “avoid risky behaviour and possible accidents.” “Prevention is the best way of avoiding accidents,” says Albufeira mayor José Carlos Rolo, adding that the awareness campaign which the council carries out every year during the bathing season shows its commitment to the issue of beach safety.

“Albufeira is and we want it to continue to be known as a safe destination,” the mayor states.

The campaign is carried out with the support of Portugal’s maritime authority (AMN), maritime police, the lifeguard association of Albufeira (ANSA), as well as the Albufeira public health unit, which this year is also using the opportunity to warn beachgoers about the risks of sun exposure.

“Albufeira has 30 kilometres of coastline, surrounded by cliffs of rare beauty, being the municipality in the country with the biggest number of Blue Flags raised (25), which proves the environmental excellence of its beaches.

 However, the natural erosion process which they are subjected to puts them in risky situations, increasing the danger of rock falls,” the council warns in a statement to the press. “Every summer, or even outside of the bathing season it is common to see people walking atop the cliffs, seeking their shade or doing poses to take a selfie near a pretty rock formation, showing a lack of knowledge about the dangers they are facing,” it adds, explaining that the awareness campaign, which also sees flyers being handed out to beachgoers in Portuguese and English, aims to make sure beachgoers are well-aware of the possible consequences of these risky behaviours.

“Thus, for your safety, whenever you go to the beach, follow the advice of the municipal civil protection service: choose beaches with surveillance; do not remain at the top or base of cliffs and don’t park at the top of them; avoid risky access routes through cliffs to the beach ; respect the recommendations of lifeguards; stay away from areas where there are loose rocks or fissures; do not use the area near cliffs to seek cover from the sun and wind,” the council adds.

Faro bikers’ Festival marked by tragedy as 3 Die in Road Accident

Two men and a young woman died yesterday afternoon in a head-on collision between two motorbikes, close to the site of Faro’s ongoing bikers’ festival. According to police, the victims were all wearing the kind of kit that suggests they were in Faro for the iconic event.

The accident happened around 5.45pm on the road giving access to Praia de Faro. “The origin was a poorly-affected overtaking manoeuvre by one of the drivers who collided with the other motorbike which was travelling in the opposite direction”; GNR major Paulo Anjos of the Faro traffic brigade told Correio da Manhã.

The woman, who was a pillion passenger on one of the bikes, was subject to reanimation efforts at the scene, and transported already ventilated to Faro Hospital, “but did not survive the gravity of her injuries”.

Both men, aged 31 and 49, were killed outright. The victims have not yet been identified, but the woman and driver of one of the bikes are understood to have come from Santarém.

Traffic was halted in both directions for roughly two hours yesterday evening as the victims, their bikes and all the debris from the accident was logged and then removed from the scene. Police have since redoubled appeals for caution. “In events like these, the volume of traffic is always greater, and people should drive at reduced speeds”, reminds Major Anjos – also warning against bikers’ drinking alcohol and then taking to the road, stressing that drinking and then driving two-wheeled vehicles increased the likelihood of accidents even further than for drivers on four wheels.

Two Suspected Drug Dealers Arrested in Lagos

Two suspected drug dealers were arrested by PSP police in Lagos on Tuesday (July 16).

The arrests, which followed an investigation that had been ongoing for “around half a year”, are expected to have a “strong impact on the reduction of situations of drug trafficking in the town of Lagos,” the Faro PSP district command said in a statement to the press.

The suspects are also believed to have dealt drugs in neighbouring boroughs and to have supplied other dealers in the area, aside from selling the drugs directly to consumers themselves, the statement adds.

The investigation led to a police operation this week which involved “several house searches and non-house searches”, resulting in the confiscation of huge quantities of drugs, including “enough heroine for 21.839 individual doses and enough cocaine for 493 individual doses,” as well as a car and €1,100 in cash and other items related to their illegal activity.

The two suspects, aged 58 and 35, have already appeared before a judge, with one being remanded in custody and the other ordered to report weekly to police.

New Shops to Help Foreigners Obtain Official Documents

Foreign citizens will now have a single place they can visit to obtain tax, social security and health system user numbers.

Minister of Youth and Modernisation, Margarida Balseiro Lopes announced this new measure, at the end of a meeting of the first Council of Ministers at the Faculty of Science and Technology of Universidade Nova, in Almada earlier this week.

Among the 15 new measures approved at the meeting, the minister highlighted the recent issues with foreign citizens trying to obtain identification numbers for the tax, social security and national health systems.

“We know that the Finanças, Social Security offices and Citizen’s Shops, have been faced with long queues” and “we have thousands of foreign citizens living in Portugal who are unable to access something as basic as a Tax Identification Number (NIF), a Social Security Number (NISS) or a Health System Number (SNS Utente) “, she said. Therefore, “what we are going to do now in 2024 is have a single place where citizens will have access to the three identification numbers, in the Citizen Spaces – this is a measure for this year, in the last quarter of 2024”, explained Margarida Balseiro Lopes.

“We will make this service available in the Citizen Space of each town (Espaço Cidadão)”, explained the minister. The project is being implemented by AMA (Agency for Administrative Modernization) and AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum), and is expected to ease the workload of the people who work in the current entities that issue these numbers.

Defibrillator saves Young Tourists Life in Albufeira

A 27 year old Irish man on holiday in Albufeira, who fell ill in the early hours of Monday morning, was immediately assisted by friends using the nearby Automatic External Defibrillator.

The incident happened close to the intersection of Avenida Sá Carneiro and Rua José Fontana, where the AED booth is located.

Friends of the man suspected a cardiorespiratory arrest and began resuscitation using the device until the arrival of a rescue team from the Albufeira Volunteer Firefighters, who managed to resuscitate the victim. The INEM Emergency and Resuscitation Medical Vehicle (VMER) was also called, and the victim was transported to Faro Hospital, conscious.

Albufeira was the first municipality in the Algarve to implement a community-based Automatic External Defibrillator program, certified by INEM, which allows lives to be saved in the event of cardiorespiratory arrest.

The “Albufeira + Segura” project operates 11 AED booths, equipped with automatic defibrillators, installed at strategic points on the public roads, plus two portable defibrillators – one given to the Municipal Police and the other to the Fire Department.

Launched in October 2017, the program initially trained 71 citizens, who voluntarily attended training in basic life support and automatic defibrillation, taking on the commitment to develop the network of equipment and integrate a greater number of community first responders. Currently, there are now around 900 AED operators assigned to the program, and by the end of the year, 12 more booths will be installed on the public roads of Albufeira.

The Albufeira Volunteer Firefighters and the GNR are the main partners of the program, being the first group of local first responders, with the advantage of being on the ground 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

15 Year Old Canadian Tourist Rescued from Ocean near  Lagoa

A 15 year old Canadian man was rescued on Monday afternoon, after jumping from a cliff into the water, at Carvalho beach, in Lagoa.

The alert was received by the Maritime Police at 5pm, through a member of the public who was on the beach, reporting that a young man had severe pain in his legs after jumping from a cliff into the water.

Members of the Portimão Maritime Police, crew from the Ferragudo Life Saving Station and crew from the Lagoa Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to the scene.

On arrival, “it was found that the victim had been removed from the water by bathers who were on the beach, and that he had severe pain in his lower limbs, meaning they had had to drag the teenager from the sea. After stabilising the young man, with the support of the lifeguards on duty on the beach, the crew from the Ferragudo Lifeguard Station transported him to the Lifeguard Station pier, where crew of the INEM Emergency and Resuscitation Medical Vehicle were already waiting.”

The ambulance team promptly attended to the victim, who was subsequently transported to the hospital by the Lagoa Volunteer Firefighters.

And finally to end this report a word of warning to anyone who is a resident here and lives in another country for a period of time and owns a car with a foreign number plate.

During the summer, it is common to see cars with foreign licence plates driving on Portuguese roads. However, for these vehicles to be legally admitted and driven in Portugal, some specific rules must be followed.

Firstly, these rules apply exclusively to vehicles permanently registered in a European Union country — Switzerland, for example, is not included. Furthermore, to benefit from the tax exemption, the vehicle owner must prove permanent residence outside Portugal. The law is quite restrictive regarding who can drive a car with a foreign licence plate in Portugal. Only the following people are authorised:

Anyone who does not reside in Portugal;

The owner or holder of the vehicle and his/her family members (spouses, de facto partners, ascendants and descendants in the first degree);

Another person in cases of force majeure (e.g. breakdown) or as a result of a contract for the provision of professional driving services.

It is important to note that it is forbidden to drive a car with a foreign licence plate if you are an emigrant and bring the car from your country of residence to stay permanently in Portugal. In these cases, you have a period of 20 days to legalise the vehicle after entering the country. It is also not permitted to keep a car with a licence plate from your country of origin in Portugal if you live alternately in Portugal and in your country of residence.

A foreign-registered car can be in Portugal for a maximum of 180 days (six months) per year (12 months). These days do not have to be consecutive. For example, if a foreign-registered car is in Portugal during January and March (around 90 days) and only returns in June, it can still legally circulate in the country, tax-free, for another 90 days. If it reaches the accumulated 180 days, it will have to leave the country and will only be able to return at the beginning of the following year. During this 180-day period, the vehicle is exempt from paying taxes in Portugal, in accordance with article 30 of the Vehicle Tax Code.

Regarding insurance, compulsory third party liability insurance is valid in all countries of the European Union, as explained by Razão Automóvel . However, additional coverage may be limited in time and distance or even excluded, depending on the country where the vehicle is being driven and the level of risk associated with it. In these cases, it is advisable to contact the insurer to confirm that all the coverage contracted is in force in the destination country.

Complying with these rules is essential to avoid legal problems and ensure safe and smooth driving in Portugal with a foreign-registered car.

Have a good week.

 

Algarve Situation Report Wednesday 17th July 2024

by Mike Evans

Good day to you all and I start this report with the warning that the Algarve is at one of its highest fire risk levels we have seen this year. While we can celebrate the fall in the number of fires so far this year we cannot let our guards down as the very hot weather coupled with the high winds can change things in a very short time.

As I write this report Eight municipalities in the district of Faro are today at maximum risk of rural fires due to hot weather, according to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere. At maximum risk are the municipalities of Aljezur, Lagos, Monchique, Portimão, Silves, Loulé, Tavira and São Brás de Alportel. According to IPMA calculations, the fire danger will remain high in some districts at least until Sunday.

Having just spent a few hours travelling along the N125 in both directions I can definitely report that the summer tourist rush has certainly arrived along the Algarve. This, whilst good for businesses in the tourism industry,  can be the opposite for locals who have plans to reach a destination in a decent time. Please allow extra time if you are travelling through the Algarve during the summer months.

On a brighter note the Algarvian Goat is set to enjoy a better than anticipated summer. Although the Algarve region (Faro district) continues to be in a drought, the PSD/CDS-PP Government eased the restrictions that the previous PS executive had imposed in February to deal with water shortages, after the heavy rains in autumn and winter, reserves increased, and breeders interviewed by Lusa say they now have greater availability of water and food in the fields.

Nuno Coelho is a producer of Algarvian goats in the municipality of Alcoutim and gave the example of feed and straw – “they fell to almost half” the price that was charged when the scarcity of pastures, due to the lack of rain, led to a rise in the food for animals.

“This winter has been a little kinder and therefore brought a little more food abundance. Things have improved substantially”, said Nuno Coelho, who had 120 Algarvian breed goats, had to reduce the herd to 30 and start supplementing it with sheep to balance the accounts, because the goat is priced at 40 euros and the lamb reaches 120 euros.

The winter, he recalled, was “more regular and therefore it rained more”. The supply of water to the soil had consequences for the growth of pastures, bringing “more abundance of food for the animals”. Nuno Luís, with a herd of 300 goats in Castro Marim, also recognised that this “has been a normal year” and that the rain that fell allowed for “a good year of crops”, removing, for now, the scenario of lack of water that the sector was struggling with, for example, a year ago.

“We are in the summer part, of course, the water is disappearing more, but it is not said that we are running out of water now at this time. And even pastures, this year are good”, he assured, highlighting that “rations have dropped” and producers “spend much less”, because they have “more pasture on the side” and do not need to buy so much feed or straw.

Despite continuing to be a low-yield activity, both producers look to the future with greater optimism.

Now a look at some of the other stories that have been hitting the headlines in the past week.

Train collides with car and injures 6 people

Six people were injured – two seriously – when a train crashed into a car at the Poço do Barreto level crossing in Silves on the 12th July.

The six occupants of the seven-seater car were all Dutch nationals, three men and three women, aged between 18 and 25, a GNR source told Lusa. All six were taken to Faro Hospital, two by helicopter (two 18-year-old women with serious injuries) and the other four by ambulance.

“The rescue operation is complete, with all individuals removed from the scene, including the six injured from the car and the 24 train passengers,” Richard Marques, the sub-regional commander of the Algarve National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority, told Lusa.

The accident forced authorities to close the Algarve railway line to make sure safety conditions were ensured.

“Following the completion of rescue operations and confirmation of the track’s condition, train service on the Algarve Line was restored,” infrastructure authority Infraestruturas de Portugal (IP) said in a statement. Railway company CP later informed that the line reopened at 11.30am.

Road traffic had already been reopened earlier on the road crossing the Poço Barreto level crossing, located between Alcantarilha and Silves in the municipality of Silves. There were 24 passengers on the train, 17 of whom were transferred by a bus provided by CP to their destination, according to the deputy commander of Silves Volunteer Firefighters, cited by Observador newspaper.

The rescue operation involved firefighters from Silves and Lagoa, the National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM), and GNR police. The cause of the accident is still being investigated.

52 arrests made by GNR in the Algarve

The GNR from Faro district carried out a series of operations in the Algarve, during the week of July 8th to 14th. The operations aimed to prevent and combat violent crime, alongside road inspections.

During the week 52 people were arrested, including 11 for driving without a legal license, 8 for driving under the influence of alcohol, and 8 for drug trafficking. The GNR seized 221 doses of hashish, 46 doses of cocaine, 18 mobile home-type houses, 72 ammunition, 2 compressed air rifles, 7 cell phones, 3 laptop computers, and various articles of clothing.

Regarding traffic offences, 355 infractions were detected, of which 176 were due to speeding, 28 due to lack of mandatory periodic inspection, 24 were related to anomalies in lighting and signalling systems, 12 due to lack of or incorrect use of seat belts and/or restraint systems. for children, 10 due to lack of civil liability insurance.

The GNR recorded 203 accidents resulting in 34 minor injuries.

Navy rescues four men after vessel sinks near Olhão

The Navy, through the Lisbon Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC Lisboa), coordinated, on the night of Thursday, July 11, a search and rescue operation for four men, of Spanish nationality, after the shipwreck of the vessel they were travelling on.

According to the Navy, the alert came at 11:10 pm through a call from the GNR warning of the fact that the fishing vessel “Praia Monte Gordo ” was sinking, with four crew members on board, approximately six nautical miles, the equivalent of 13 kilometres south of Olhão.

Immediately, and in coordination with the captain of the Port of Olhão, the Navy vessel NRP Cassiopeia and the Olhão Lifeboat Station vessel were activated. Several fishing vessels that were in the vicinity were also alerted and coordinated to provide support to the shipwrecked people. The rescue of the four people was carried out by the fishing vessel “Costasul”, which was closest to the location, having transferred the castaways to the Lifeguard Station vessel, which transported them to the Port of Olhão. Upon reaching land, the people were assisted by INEM, although they were all in good health.

Rival gang fight leaves several injured in Faro

A brawl between two rival groups in downtown Faro left several people injured this week. The confrontation, allegedly motivated by issues related to drug trafficking in that area of ​​the city, led several residents to complain about insecurity and a lack of patrols.

Videos are circulating on social media showing several individuals in physical confrontations on Rua Conselheiro Bivar. According to TVI/CNN on Tuesday, the 9th, some suspects involved in the brawl have already been identified by the authorities.

The videos have been shared by customers of restaurants and shops who were in the area when the incident occurred and who had to leave the premises because “there were stones and bottles in the air”. Following this incident, residents have complained about the lack of security and frequent clashes between gangs, appealing that “someone has to do something”.

Maritime Police seize 300 kg tuna in Tavira

Members of the Tavira Maritime Police Local Command carried out, on the evening of last Monday, July 8, an inspection action at the Quatro-Águas ramp, in Tavira, which resulted in the seizure of a tuna, weighing approximately 300 kg, and fishing gear, namely two rods and deep-sea reels, reported AMN .

During the operation, members of the Maritime Police detected a recreational vessel, with four recreational fishermen on board, who had caught a bluefin tuna, weighing around 300kg, the capture of which is prohibited within the scope of recreational fishing .

The Maritime Police officers prepared the respective report and, as a precautionary measure, seized the fish, which was later donated to Social Solidarity Institutions, as well as two fishing rods and deep-sea reels. Four members of the Tavira Maritime Police Local Command were involved in this action, supported by two vehicles.

And finally to end this report, a couple of events which are well worth being aware of in the region.

The 42nd Faro Motorbike Rally is almost here. This year, one of the most notable events in the region (and the country) will take place from 18 to 21 July, in the mythical Vale das Almas, in Montenegro .

Four days, thousands of motorbikes, beer, concerts, exhibitions and street entertainment are the ingredients of what is considered one of the biggest and best biker gatherings in Europe and which every year, in July, attracts more and more bike lovers to the Algarve capital.

One of the highlights of the event is the motorcycle parade through the streets of the Algarve capital on the last day of the gathering, July 21 (Sunday).

And also this week, Silves is preparing to host another edition of its Beer Fest between July 17 and 21 at Praça Al-Mutamid, the town’s main riverside square.

Organised by Silves Futebol Clube and Silves Council, the event will feature more than 80 craft beers made by brewers from all over Portugal.

There will also be stalls selling handicraft and traditional products, live music and food trucks, totalling over 40 exhibitors from 19 different locations.

The event will run from 6pm to 1am and will be free to visit, although visitors wishing to try the many beers on offer will have to buy a glass.

If you’re going to either of these events remember don’t drink and drive and have a great week.