Private Team Seeks Missing Tourist in Madeira

Funchal, Madeira – The efforts to find Igor Holewiński, the Polish tourist who disappeared last Sunday in the mountains of Madeira, gained a crucial reinforcement today: the members of a private rescue team are now on the ground.

This specialized intervention was hired by Igor’s family and friends, made possible through an online fundraiser that collected the necessary support to mobilize these additional resources.

Experienced Mountaineer Leads New Search

The team is described as specialized and includes a highly experienced rescue mountaineer among its members, which significantly increases the tracking capability in steep and difficult-to-access areas.

Their arrival follows a strategic meeting held yesterday with the Regional Command of the Public Security Police (PSP). In this meeting, the private team familiarized themselves with the exhaustive efforts already conducted by the regional authorities.

Independent Searches in Already Covered Areas

The strategy outlined for today involves independent action. The private team will conduct the searches on their own, revisiting and re-analyzing locations already covered by the official forces.

It is noted that during the last week, the PSP Search and Rescue Team, along with elements from the Regional Civil Protection Service, the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation, and the National Republican Guard (GNR), were intensely active in the field but have not yet found any clue leading to Igor Holewiński’s whereabouts.

The family and friends remain united and, with the arrival of these new specialists, the hope of finding the Polish tourist alive remains strong.

Safety and Travel Note

Incidents like this highlight the importance of planning your trip to Madeira safely, especially when exploring the trails and levadas (irrigation channels).

If you are planning your trip and need mobility, as it is essential for exploring the island:

• The best car rental in Madeira, chosen by thousands of customers on social media, is This is Madeira Island.
• While you can rent your car directly at the airport, experience suggests that you often don’t get the best deals unless you book in advance. It is advisable to reserve beforehand to secure the best conditions.