Instructors “did not realise” she was drowning
Maritime police are delivering their report to public prosecutors today about the near-drowning of a young German on Costa da Caparica during a surf lesson.
Anecdotal reports certainly point to a potential case for negligence.
The 23-year-old is said to be still in a critical condition, in Lisbon’s Garcia de Orta hospital.
In spite of taking part in the surf lesson, her instructors do not appear to have been aware of what was happening to her. The youngster was recovered from the water by three people who just happened to be at the beach at the time, and saw her drowning.
It was only after they had pulled the young woman to safety that one of the trio alerted the surf school, and INEM (medical emergency), explains Correio da Manhã today.
The incident took place on Saturday, at Cornélia beach on Caparica.
According to CM, “reanimation efforts” were carried out at the scene, and until the young woman arrived at Garcia da Orta hospital. But her prognosis is reserved.
A German doctor at the hospital is understood to have contacted the youngster’s parents, who immediately travelled to Portugal to be at her bedside.
CM adds that the parents are receiving psychological support from the Maritime Police department of psychology.
Confusingly, the Facebook “Grupo Costa da Caparica” published a post last night suggesting the young woman had died in Garcia da Orta. This is not confirmed in subsequent reports.
