Overview
- A 23-year-old British man disappeared after going for a swim at Peneco Beach and a 19-year-old companion returned to shore to raise the alarm on Thursday.
- Local authorities launched a multi-agency sea and shore search that involved the Port Captain, Portimão Maritime Police, Ferragudo lifeboat crews, volunteer firefighter divers, the SeaWatch project, civil protection teams and drones.
- Search operations were stopped early on Thursday night and were scheduled to resume the following morning, with the missing man not located before the pause.
- The 19-year-old companion is reported to be physically well and is receiving psychological support while the British Embassy in Portugal has been activated to contact the missing man’s relatives.
- Peneco Beach is a busy tourist spot in Albufeira with previous fatal incidents recorded there, and authorities say the outcome of the resumed search will determine any next steps for local safety or investigations.