According to the statement, the police began to pursue the suspect, a foreigner and resident in Portugal two years ago, immediately after being alerted to the theft.

After trying to "ram the Maritime Police vessel several times" during the chase, the boat the assailant followed ended up stranding in the area between Cais das Colunas, next to Praça do Comércio, and Cais do Sodré.

After stranding, the man threw himself into the water and swam ashore, having been captured with the support of the Municipal Police, the statement said.

The suspect is going to be present in court this morning.

The National Maritime Authority informed that the Administration of the Port of Lisbon has the responsibility to remove the vessel where the detained man was following.