“The man’s body was detected floating in the water in the area of ​​Calheta [west of the island of Madeira], and was then recovered by the Portuguese Air Force aircraft that was at the scene, as it is an area of ​​difficult access, having subsequently been transported to Madeira International Airport”, reads the information released by the maritime authority.

The 72-year-old tourist was missing after being “surprised” and dragged by a wave when he was walking along the seafront, in the parish of Jardim da Serra, in the municipality of Calheta, along with three other people.

The death was declared at Madeira Airport by the health delegate and the body transported to the Medical-Legal and Forensic Office of Madeira, the same note said.

In the search operations, which were coordinated on the spot by the Captain of the Port and Local Commander of the Maritime Police of Funchal, elements of the Funchal Lifeguard Station, by sea, were involved.