Two foreigners, described as holidaymakers, have been seriously hurt in a rockfall at the secluded beach of Ursa, near Sintra, this morning.
Early reports suggested one of the foreigners has died, but this has not yet been confirmed (see update).
The man has been described as “in cardiorespiratory arrest” and unconscious as rescue teams flown into the beach by helicopter attempt to stabilise him.
His purported partner, a woman first described as around 40 years old (see update), is seriously hurt with a head trauma and being attended to.
Access to the beach is complicated no matter what the weather conditions. In winter, during storms and heavy rain, it is exceptionally difficult to reach the sand. The path down is steep and windy, and requires a lot of skill and personal fitness.
Early reports suggest both victims were on the sands as they were hit by falling stones from the cliffs above.
There has been the suggestion that they were camping, though very little is clear at the moment. A statement from the authorities is expected shortly.
Television footage meantime has shown rescuers being winched down to the beach by helicopter against a backdrop of foaming seas and advancing waves.
As reporters at the scene explain: this is a very complex operation, fraught with danger for all concerned, particularly due to very high winds.
UPDATE:
Death of one of the victims has been confirmed. He was was 23 and Brazilian.
The second victim is described as German, aged 18. She is now in a “serious but stable condition” in hospital.
There appear to have been three other people on the beach when the rockfall hit. They were all camping. The victims were apparently in a tent when the rocks came down on them.
The three other people on the beach with them have been given psychological support.
natasha.donn@algarveresident.com
