A 21-year-old died swimming on a river beach in Abrantes

A young man, aged 21, drowned late this Sunday afternoon on the river beach of Aldeia do Mato, Abrantes. The body of the victim, of Brazilian nationality, but living in the city of Abrantes, was found by divers from the Abrantes Fire Department, more than 11 meters deep. The causes for drowning are unknown.

The young man went to the river beach of Aldeia do Mato, with his family, for a day of fun. During the afternoon, he entered the water of the Zêzere River and swam for some time until, after 6.30 pm, he was no longer seen by the family members who were on the bank.

The alert was quickly given, which led the Firefighters of Abrantes to mobilize a boat and two divers to the site. And it was these who, about 20 minutes after arriving at the river beach, found the young man. “It was 11.6 meters deep”, describes the commander of the corporation, António Jesus.

The same responsible adds that the body was immediately removed from the water, however nothing could be done to save the boy’s life. “The causes of the drowning are not known yet”, says Commander António Jesus.

Lifeguards only from July

The Câmara de Abrantes describes the river beach of Aldeia do Mato as “a summer centre, ideal for those who love nature and water sports”. “Among the activities it provides, sailing, rowing, canoeing, pedal boats and kayaks, windsurfing, fishing, swimming and boat trips stand out. It has a bar, picnic area and bungalows. The area surrounding the beach river is also ideal for hiking, mountain biking and orienteering”, guarantees the municipality.

On the river beach of Aldeia do Mato, the bathing season runs from July 1st to August 31st, when the presence of lifeguards is assured. This Sunday, therefore, the river beach was not guarded.