In the same text, the regional health authority adds that “as cleaning operations are nearing completion, it is considered that there is no increased risk to the health of bathers currently”.

The authorities had already authorised swimming on Tuesday and Wednesday on the beaches of Cabanas Velhas and Boca do Rio, also in the municipality of Vila do Bispo, but had maintained the ban on Martinhal due to the presence of crude oil.

The beaches of Cabanas Velhas and Boca do Rio had been closed for swimming on Sunday, after the presence of crude oil was detected impacting the bathing waters, the municipality said in a statement at the time.

On Monday, the ban on bathing was extended to Martinhal beach by decision of the Algarve Regional Health Delegate, until safety conditions were reversed.