Ben Squires
International Travel

British tourist tries to swim after cruise ship

A 65-year-old British tourist has been rescued by fishermen 500 metres off the island of Madeira, after attempting to swim after a cruise liner.

According to Portuguese daily Correio da Manha, 65-year-old Susan Brown and her husband had disembarked from the Marco Polo cruise ship at Portugal’s Funchal port.

The pair has reportedly had an argument on board, and intended to fly back to Britain.

But, before their flight the pair split up, and in the confusion it’s believed Mrs Brown convinced herself that her husband had returned to the ship. 

Image credit: Daily Mail 

As she noticed the Marco Polo pass the airport’s coastal runway, Mrs Brown reportedly took to the water and made chase. 

While Mrs Brown made it an admirable 500 metres off shore she would have never caught up and thankfully some Portuguese fishermen were nearby to rescue her.

Marildo Freitas told Mail Online, “I just saw her pale white face bobbing in the water. She was barely conscious – she's lucky to be alive – I don't think she would have lasted another 30 minutes.”

We’re sure it’s going to be a long flight to Britain! 

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Tags:
travel, cruise, swim, Portugal, travel international