A British man has gone missing in a popular holiday destination in Portugal, prompting a search operation to be launched. The 23-year-old was last seen swimming at Peneco Beach in southern Portugal with a 19-year-old compatriot. While the teenager managed to safely exit the water without assistance, the 23-year-old remains unaccounted for at sea.

Expert divers and law enforcement authorities are currently conducting extensive search efforts to locate the missing individual. The National Maritime Authority issued a statement on Facebook confirming the ongoing search operations and the interruption of search activities for the night, with plans to resume the search the following morning.

The National Maritime Authority’s statement mentioned the deployment of various rescue teams, including crews from the Ferragudo Life Saving Station, volunteers from the Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters of Albufeira, and a team of divers. Additionally, local authorities and organizations such as the Portimão Maritime Police, the “SeaWatch” Project, and the Municipal Civil Protection Service of Albufeira, with drone support, are actively involved in the search efforts.

The statement also stated that the 19-year-old companion of the missing man, who managed to leave the water and seek help, is physically unharmed and does not require medical attention. The British Embassy in Portugal has been notified and is providing support to the families of both individuals.

The search operations were temporarily halted for the night and will resume in the morning. The authorities are diligently working to locate the missing British national and ensure the safety of all individuals involved in the incident.