According to a statement issued by the National Maritime Authority (AMN), the alert was given at 1:15pm regarding a person who was feeling unwell after getting out of the water at Penedo beach, in the municipality of Albufeira.

"The elements of the Local Command of the Maritime Police of Portimão, the "SeaWatch" Project and the Medical and Resuscitation Vehicle (VMER) of INEM were immediately activated," the note said.

The 45-year-old victim was assisted on the beach by INEM elements, but her death was declared at the scene.