Reports have since revealed how three British families
and one German family had been making the most of the
pleasant weather with a day on the South western beach.
The children had run into the water and subsequently
found themselves being swept away by the perilous
currents.
Hearing their cries for help, a number of fellow
bathers rushed in to the sea in a bid to save them, a
selfless act that would eventually cost four people's
lives, when they too were caught up in the currents.
The children were later swept back to the beach with
only minor injuries. Relatives have since flown to
Portugal from the UK, and they are continuing to receive
psychological counselling.
Two of the children have been orphaned, having lost
both par ents, whilst another two have lost their
mother. This was confirmed by the UK foreign office.
Three other adults required hospital treatment.
Notorious for its strong waves even during calm
seasons, Tonel beach is very popular amongst surfers,
though is recognised as one of the most dangerous
beaches in the area.
At the time of the incident the beach was
unsupervised, due to the end of summer season, this
being announced on signs at the beach's entrance.
Commander Pedro Pereira, of the local maritime
police, confirmed there were signs around the beach
warning that lifeguards were not on duty for the winter.
"Because summer season concludes by September 3rd,
Tonel beach is closed and there are no life-saving
personnel. At the en trance to the beach there is a sign
warning of this fact, he said.
Commander Pereira also said the police had launched
an investigation into the deaths.
According to the Lusa News Agency, the British
ambassador has spoken to the civil governor and
confirmed a police investigation has been launched to
establish how the tragedy occurred.
A source from the emergency services in Faro
confirmed to Lusa that the four foreign citizens were
aged between 40 and 50 and were English and German.
According to the maritime police, one of the adults
was recovered by the lifeboat service from Sagres and
the remaining victims were washed back to the shore.
Attempts to resuscitate them failed.