Stories from Ponta Delgada · Portugal

Sonar during a seabed mapping expedition near the Azores has identified the outlines of a five-meter-long wooden boat. The vessel's design matches the description of the Mary Celeste's lifeboat, which disappeared in 1872 with ten people on board.

The Portuguese Judiciary Police (PJ) conducted searches at the AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum) office in Ponta Delgada. The investigation is looking into alleged irregularities regarding immigration processes. No specific details on the scope of the irregularities were provided. The Judicial Police are investigating the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA). Officers conducted searches at the agency's facilities as part of an ongoing investigation. The Polícia Judiciária executed nine search and seizure warrants at AIMA facilities in Ponta Delgada, Azores. Authorities seized various materials, including editions from Miguel Videira, during the operation. Investigators suspect certain public officials may have prioritized specific users in exchange for financial benefits.

The departure of Ryanair from the Azores is projected to cause a 30% drop in car rental revenue.

The Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs is analyzing a request to allow MQ-9 Reaper drones to pass through the Azores base. The authorization request extends until June.

Increased air accessibility is considered for the Azores tourism business and regional movement. Sixteen airlines are currently scheduled to operate flights to the archipelago for the summer season through 2026. The source noted that travel to the Azores remains expensive compared to continental destinations. This level of connectivity is described as essential for resident mobility and the tourism business in the Azores. The source confirmed 16 airlines are operating to the Azores for the summer 2026 season, though travel costs remain high for residents and tourists. Travelers face high costs when flying to the Azores via SATA and TAP airlines. Local stakeholders are requesting that both companies increase flight frequencies to improve competitiveness. The request aims to address high ticket prices without compromising the business sustainability of the airlines.

Azores Regional Government President José Manuel Bolgueiro stated there is no objective reason to expect a financial bailout for the archipelago. Bolgueiro noted that while the situation is not ideal, the current installed measures make a bailout unlikely to be activated. He addressed the state of public accounts in the archipelago during an appearance on the program Política com Assinatura. However, the President noted that recent revisions to autonomous transfers have been detrimental to the stability and predictability of state funding for the Azores. The President highlighted that the region faces different expenditure requirements compared to Madeira.

Natalé Carvalho stated that revisions to the regional finance law for the Azores are detrimental to the stability and predictability of state transfers to the autonomous region. Carvalho noted that while there is no risk of a bailout, there is a problem with public accounts. The revisions are described as being harmful to the regularity of transfers required for regional expenses.

Sporting de Braga scored a goal during their match against Santa Clara. The match is currently in the 32nd minute. The scoring occurred on the field of Santa Clara. The broadcast noted a specific play involving Rodrigo Pinho attempting to support an attack. The goal was scored by Paciência following an assist from Frederico Venascio. Santa Clara attempted to equalize via a set-piece free kick but failed to score.