According to Rodrigo Gonzalez dos Paços, the alert for the disappearance of the man, a Portuguese emigrant residing in France, was given by the family at around 9:00 am, and several rescue boats were immediately sent to the scene.

According to the port official, the 72-year-old man was last seen in the sea, next to the Praia da Rocha viewpoint (Faro district).

"The search area has been enlarged due to the waves, which are currently southeast, with the current pulling west," said the commander.

The search operations involve several elements of the Maritime Police, the Ferragudo Life-Saving Station, the Portimão firefighters, the National Institute for Medical Emergency and the “SeaWatch” project.

Rodrigo Gonzalez dos Paços also said that the Portuguese Air Force EH101 helicopter was requested, predicting its arrival at around 11:40.