Diver dies during recreational dive off Alvor, Portugal

File photo of an Autoridade Marítima Nacional rescue team in action (Photo: AMN/Facebook)

A 56-year-old man has died after suffering a cardiorespiratory arrest while recreational diving off the Algarve coast in southern Portugal.

The incident occurred on Saturday, 22 August, approximately 1.5 nautical miles (2.8km) south of Praia dos Três Irmãos, Alvor, in the municipality of Portimão.

Portugal’s National Maritime Authority (Autoridade Marítima Nacional, AMN) said the diver was accompanied by family members when he got into difficulties and was removed from the water by his brother.

An alert was received at 2.23 pm through the Lisbon Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC Lisboa), prompting a response from the Portimão Maritime Police Local Command, Port Authority, Volunteer Fire Brigade and an Emergency Medical and Resuscitation Vehicle (VMER).

The VMER medical team continued attempts to resuscitate the diver after his arrival at the marina, but he did not recover.

In a statement issued on 23 August, the authority said: ‘The victim was recreational diving accompanied by family members when he got into difficulties and was removed from the water by his brother.

‘Basic life support manoeuvres were initiated and continued during the journey to Portimão Marina.

‘Upon arrival at the marina, the VMER personnel continued the resuscitation manoeuvres, but it was not possible to reverse the situation.’

The man’s death was formally certified by the VMER doctor and his body was transported by firefighters to the mortuary at Portimão Hospital.

The waters off Portimão are popular with recreational scuba divers, with a number of wreck and reef sites in easy reach of the Algarve coast.

Although the AMN statement does not give a specific location for the incident, it is in the same general area as the Ocean Revival underwater park, in which four Portuguese Navy vessels have been sunk as artificial reefs.

The Portimão Maritime Police Local Command has taken charge of the case and begun enquiries into the tragedy, but at this time said the underlying causes of the victim’s medical issues remain unknown.