The captain of the port of Figueira da Foz, Paul Inácio, today tendered his resignation which was accepted by the Maritime Authority.
Commander Paulo Vicente, a spokesman for the Navy said that "The captain of the port of Figueira da Foz today offered his resignation which was accepted."
At issue is the sinking on October 6th of the trawler Olivia Ribau at the entrance to the port of Figueira da Foz, Coimbra. Two fishermen survived but five died in the accident.
“The letter of resignation was related to the tragic events of last week," admitted Commander Vincent, adding that "the captain's position could have been weakened and this was the best decision to replace the harbor master in order to reinforce the authority of this key position of captain of a sea port."
Paulo Inácio will remain in post until his replacement arrives, “who will take over in a few days."
The new man for the Captaincy of the Port of Figueira da Foz is Silva Rocha, a sea dog with "extensive experience."
Following the sinking, the Maritime Authority said there will be an internal review into the botched rescue operation where delayed response and official inaction probably led to unnecessary deaths.
The Navy spokesman said the letter of resignation "has nothing to do the internal investigation that is taking place and about which there are still no conclusions."
The criticism of the Maritime Authority has been due to the delay in rescue operations swinging into to action and the scant resources that were employed. It was a maritime policeman on paternity leave who managed to save two of the seven crew by going to their aid on a water bike.
The rescue operation to remove the wreck lasted for six days at a daily loss of income to the port of €100,000 per day.
