The President of the Government is following the operations that are being carried out with regard to the situation of the vessel "Mestre Simão" in Madalena, Pico Island. He ensured that "we are doing everything that can be done" to solve it as soon as possible.
 
"Currently, the main priority is to have the serenity to acknowledge that everything that can be done is being done with maximum speed, with the utmost care and with all the competence to ensure that this situation is solved as soon as possible. At the same time, the frequency of maritime passenger transport on these islands should be ensured," said Vasco Cordeiro.
 
Speaking to journalists, the President of the Government pointed out that, from the beginning, the main priority was to safeguard the lives and physical integrity of all people on board, 61 passengers and nine crewmembers. The rescue operation was carried out without anyone being injured.
 
"I would like to praise the way the crew and all those who collaborated in the evacuation of passengers worked with great competence to safeguard the life and physical integrity of these passengers," said Vasco Cordeiro. According to him, the priority for the present is the environmental issue, which is being taken care of.
 
"A third aspect concerns the frequency of the passenger transport service on the islands of Pico, Faial and São Jorge," the President of the Government said, adding that the mobility has been secured by the old vessels "Cruzeiro do Canal" and "Cruzeiro das Ilhas."
 
Regarding the removal of the vessel "Mestre Simão" from the place where it is, Vasco Cordeiro revealed that several entities in conjunction with the Azores Maritime Zone Command are analysing and planning what should be done. This work will take some time, given the current situation of the vessel.
 
As for the causes of the accident, an inquiry is being conducted by the maritime authority. It will carry out its procedures in order to identify the caused that have led to this situation, said the President of the Government.
 
"I believe it is not just a vessel for the islands of Pico, Faial and São Jorge. Indeed, it is a fundamental component in the daily lives of these populations, but we will overcome this situation," stressed Vasco Cordeiro.