Five people die in Albufeira beach tragedy
Updated: 23-Aug-2009
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Bombeiros struggle against the tide to rescue two people trapped by the rocks. Photo: MARK RAWCLIFFE, PORTUGAL IMAGES.
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A 60-year-old Portuguese man and four women, one aged 38 and from Portugal and two under the age of 25, were killed when part of a cliff collapsed yeterday (Friday, Augst 21) morning.
The names and nationalities of those killed have not yet been released.
Rescuers from the GNR, INEM, Policia Maritima, the Administraçio Regional Hydrografica, lifeguards and Socarro a Naufragos from Portimão are continuing to search for further victims today (Satuday).
Portuguese President Anibal Cavaco Silva, who is on holiday in the Algarve, visited the beach, which is popular with local and foreign tourists.
A politician from Porto, who owns a house in Albufeira, was at the scene when it took place.
The man, who did not want to be identified, has been holidaying in the area for eight years and said the rocks had been at risk of collapsing for years but the authorities had done nothing to prevent it.
“There is clearly a sign under the rocks that fell saying the rocks were at an imminent risk of collapse."
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