Irishman, 64, dies after getting into difficulty in water at Portugal beach

The incident happened at Prainha beach in Alvor, Portimão, according to Portuguese newspaper Jornal de Notícias (JN). Picture: iStock

An Irishman is believed to have died after getting into difficulty in the water at a beach in Portugal.

The incident happened at Prainha beach in Alvor, Portimão, according to Portuguese newspaper Jornal de Notícias (JN).

The man is reported to be 64 years old and, according to a statement to JN from the National Maritime Authority (AMN), he “got into difficulty in the water” in an unsupervised area of the beach.

The alert was raised just before 10.40am, with members of the SeaWatch project, INEM (National Institute of Medical Emergency) and the Portimão Volunteer Firefighters called to assist.

Rescuers unable to revive man

When rescuers arrived, they found that members of the public had already pulled the man from the water and lifeguards had begun resuscitation efforts.

Despite the arrival of INEM, the man was declared dead at the scene.

A spokesman for Portugal’s Maritime Police said: “A 64-year-old man, of Irish nationality, died today, September 26, after apparently getting into difficulties in the water, in an unguarded area of Prainha beach in Alvor, in the municipality of Portimao.

Following an alert received at 10:39 am, through the Lisbon Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, personnel from the ‘SeaWatch’ Project, the National Medical Emergency Institute (INEM) and the Portimao Volunteer Firefighters were immediately activated."

The Maritime Police Psychology Department was activated and is providing support to the victim's family, the statement added. 

“The Portimao Local Maritime Police Command took charge of the incident.”

His body was transferred to the Medical-Legal and Forensic Office of Barlavento Algarvio.

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed it is aware of this case and is providing consular assistance.

"As with all consular cases, the Department does not comment on the details of individual cases."