Irishman Des Smyth was 48 years and 34 days old when he won the Madeira Island Open in 2001, while Jimenez will turn 49 on January 5.

CNN: Jimenez seeking to become European Tour's oldest winner

Van de Velde was named as the European Tour's Golfer of the Month for March after his first victory in 13 years at the Madeira Island Open two weeks ago following a long-term knee problem.

BBC: SPORT | Golf | Casey aims to end crisis in China

An English entrepreneur, living on the Portuguese island of Madeira, said "the future looks very, very bleak and panic is in the air".

BBC: Union protest in Lisbon, 22 March

It was due to depart at 3 p.m. for Funchal on the mid-Atlantic island of Madeira with 1, 498 passengers and 594 crew aboard, the authority said.

WSJ: Cruise Ship Lifeboat Accident Kills Five in Spain

The island of Madeira was one of the last European stops before heading across the Atlantic, it was common for merchants to toss a barrel or two on board.

FORBES: Why Madeira Is The Next Great Thing In Wine

Born in 1985 on the Portuguese island of Madeira, the 23-year-old cut his teeth with Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon, where his amazing skill and dribbling ability alerted a host of top European clubs.

CNN: Profile: Cristiano Ronaldo

Born February 5 in Funchal on the Portuguese island of Madeira, he made his debut for Sporting Lisbon in the Portuguese Super Liga at the age of 17 after winning international caps for Portugal's youth sides.

CNN: Most memorable Ronaldo moments

Madeira-born Ronaldo then paid his own tribute to the victims of the floods and mudslides on the Portuguese island by lifting his jersey to reveal a white t-shirt with "Madeira" written on it.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS