The vessel originated from Latin America, was crewed by four foreign nationals, and was bound for Europe.

Three Colombian crew members and one Venezuelan were rescued before the submersible sank as the journey continued from South America toward Europe.

A joint operation by the Polícia Judiciária, the Portuguese Navy, and the Air Force intercepted a vessel about 230,000 miles from the Azores, carrying 300 bales of cocaine.

Authorities recovered about 265 cocaine bundles, with the total quantity approaching nine metric tons, pending final weighing.

Portugal may have recorded its largest cocaine seizure ever, estimated at around nine tons, from a semi-submersible vessel intercepted near the Azores.

The operation, codenamed 'Adamastor,' was conducted with close cooperation from U.S. and U.K. authorities via the MAOC-N maritime narcotics coordination center, and PJ continues the investigation with international partners.

International support came from the United States and United Kingdom, with additional help from the Portuguese Navy and the Air Force.

The initiative began through collaboration with international partners, including the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.K.’s National Crime Agency.

The operation faced extreme weather and sea dangers, complicating the seizure.

Three Colombian and one Venezuelan crew members were aboard and were rescued before the vessel sank.

The investigation is ongoing, coordinated by Portugal’s Polícia Judiciária in collaboration with partner authorities from other countries, under a DIAP-structured inquiry in the Azores district court.

The probe will continue under a case led by the Azores District Attorney’s Office, with sustained collaboration from international partners.