Two foreign holidaymakers fatally drowned on beaches in the western Algarve last week.
A Dutch tourist, aged 64, drowned after swimming off Praia da D. Ana in Lagos on October 16.
The man, who was enjoying the last day of his holidays in the Algarve with his family, decided to go swimming despite the strong currents, confirmed Portimão and Lagos Maritime Police Commander Cruz Martins.
It is reported that he called for help when he felt he was in danger and people on the beach called the Maritime Police, who rescued the man, already unconscious by the time they took him out of the sea.
An emergency services team from the INEM tried to resuscitate the man but without success and he was declared dead at the scene.
This is the second death by drowning on Algarve beaches since the end of the bathing season.
On October 12, a 55-year old German tourist died in Praia da Bordeira in Vila do Bispo. According to the Maritime Police, the man, on holiday with his family, went for a swim at around 4pm and shortly afterwards called for help.
He was rescued from the water by two members of the public but was already unconscious. A doctor from the INEM declared him dead at the scene.
“Beachgoers need to take extra care when going into the sea at this time of year as currents can be very strong,” said Cruz Martins.
