"Unable to get out on their own, the group members needed specialised assistance. The rescue operation was carried out efficiently, allowing everyone involved to be safely removed, without the need for medical care", reads a post by the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority, shared on Facebook.

The Beiras and Serra da Estrela Sub-regional Command received the alert at 5:06 p.m. and stated that "a prompt response on the ground was essential to avoid more serious consequences, considering the steep and slippery nature of the area where the incident occurred".

The rescue operation involved 13 operatives, supported by five vehicles, from the Covilhã, Manteigas, and São Romão Fire Department, the Special Civil Protection Forc,e and the GNR-UEPS Mountain Group.