Summary:
49-year-old French woman injured after falling from a 15-meter cliff in Portimão.
Rescue involved 18 personnel and multiple agencies, highlighting the difficult access to the area.
Authorities emphasize signage warning about cliff instability, yet many tourists ignore it.
The incident raises concerns about tourist safety in popular areas of the Algarve.
Serious Incident in Portimão
A 49-year-old French woman suffered severe injuries after falling from a 15-meter high cliff this past Sunday in Portimão.
According to Eduardo Pousadas Godinho, the Captain of the Port of Portimão, the incident occurred near Praia do Submarino in the João de Arens area, known for its difficult access. The woman was rescued from the sea and subsequently transported to a hospital via helicopter after being stabilized by a specialized rescue team from the Portimão firefighters.
Rescue Operations
The rescue operation involved 18 personnel from the Portimão firefighters, the Maritime Police, the Institute for Rescue at Sea, and the National Institute of Medical Emergency, using five vehicles and three boats for assistance. Godinho noted that there is signage in the area warning about the instability of the cliffs, but many visitors continue to ignore these warnings.
Tourist Safety Concerns
This area is a popular tourist destination, especially among foreign visitors. The authorities have been actively working with consular representatives to inform their citizens about the potential dangers along the Algarve coast. Godinho emphasized that despite ongoing warnings about risks in locations like João de Arens, Benagil, and Sete Vales, tourists often venture into isolated areas, leading to accidents.
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