Authorities are searching for a man “with a history of psychiatric problems” who went missing on Wednesday afternoon (March 29) at Faro’s Barrinha beach.
A witness reportedly saw him walking into the sea at around 5pm, Faro port captain Cortes Lopes told Lusa, adding that he has not been seen since.
The man’s belongings, including a backpack and shoes, were found nearby. Inside the backpack were “drinks, pills and identification papers,” according to Lusa.
Authorities have not revealed the man’s identity though he is said to be in his 30s. His mother has confirmed that he went to the beach and that he has a history of “psychiatric problems” and “suicide attempts”.
An Armed Forces helicopter is involved in the search, as well as two Portuguese Navy motorboats and a Maritime Police quad bike.
