AN IRISH TOURIST has drowned on the Algarve in Portugal.

The 52-year-old got into difficulties at Inatel beach in the popular resort of Albufeira, next to the hotel complex that gives it its name.

The Department of Foreign Affairs told The Journal that it is “aware of the case” and is providing consular assistance.

“As with all consular cases, the Department does not comment on the details of individual cases,” the department added.

The alarm was raised just before 1pm yesterday local time at the resort near Albufeira.

Two Portuguese locals jumped into the sea to try to help but also got into difficulties. They were rescued alive by lifeguards but the Irish tourist couldn’t be saved.

Police said his partner, who was on the beach, was being supported by psychologists after the traumatic experience.

The deceased man has not been named.

It comes just five days after a British tourist died in the same Portuguese resort.

Eduardo Luis Pousadas Godinho, the head of the local Maritime Police and Captain of the Port of Portimao near Albufeira, confirmed his age and nationality.

He said: “The man was in the water and got into difficulties with the waves and currents.

“Two Portuguese nationals at the beach jumped into the water to help but also got into difficulties.

“Two lifeguards from the adjacent beach which is called Fisherman’s Beach were able to reach the area fast and assist the three swimmers.

He added that two Portuguese nationals were “rescued alive but the third man was showing no sign of life” when he was brought out of the water.

“The lifeguards performed CPR until firefighters and paramedics arrived and took over but they were unable to save him.

“Police psychologists established the victim’s partner was also on the beach and offered her expert support.”

He added: “The sea has been particularly rough. We’ve issued a warning to sailors precisely because we’ve been in the middle of a strong swell since yesterday.

“And the recent storms have left the sandy beaches very bare, creating swamps and rocky bottoms that can surprise bathers, which we are warning about.”

With reporting by Eoghan Dalton