A recreational boat hit rocks and sank early on Saturday morning near Baleeira, Sagres - the sole occupant had to be rescued by lifeboat.
The boat had just left the port and was bound for Sesimbra, but instead of turning right, steered in the opposite direction. It was not long before the boat hit the rocks near Martinhal according to a baffled Carvalho Pinto, the noble commander of the port of Lagos.
Pinto did say in mitigation there was a lot of fog about at that time of the morning but this still does not explain the navigational error.
A radio request for urgent assistance was made by the 62-year old skipper at 6.45 a.m
The fog and the rather dangerous rocks which the boat had hit meant the rescue team had to approach with great care but managed to rescue the embarassed but uninjured skipper at 7:42 a.m..
The Thalassa normally is used for maritime tourism activities in and around Sesimbra. The owner was on holiday in the Algarve and was starting his journey home when a simple error ensured disaster.
A specialist company already has been contacted by the boat's owner which will try and refloat the Thalassa using balloons that can be inflated with air. In the meantime locals have taken the opportunity to view the sunken boat, firmly stuck on the rocks.
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Brings back memories