The four victims "suffered abrasions and one of them a fractured head when they were picked up by a wave and projected against the rocks," The harbour master, Paulo Gomes Agostinho, said.

The accident, which took place at around 2pm, was due to the fact that the four people "descended the steps that surround the Fort of S. Miguel, disobeying the signs and putting themselves in a situation of great danger, on a day of strong swell that could have projected them against the rocks," he explained.

The victims, two men and two women about 30 years old, of Portuguese, German and Brazilian nationalities, were "soon helped by other people and then transported to the Alcobaça Hospital to receive treatment," he added.

Paulo Gomes Agostinho warned that "the danger of that area is sign-posted, with a sign prohibiting access to the site, often affected by waves of between 10 and 15 metres.

In addition to the injuries suffered, the four victims were identified by the Maritime Police and, according to the harbour master, "may be fined up to €300.