Portugese police said the Tonel beach in the resort town of Sagres, where the tragedy occurred, was closed for the winter and signs warned bathers that there were no lifeguards on duty.

Pedro Pereira, commander of the local maritime police. said: "Because summer season is concluded by September 3, the Tonel beach is closed and there is no life-saving personnel.

"Reinforcing this, at the entry to the beach there is a sign to warn of this fact.

"As the local commander for this rescue operation, as soon as the distress was known, the necessary staff have been directed to proceed to the beach, namely the medical emergency, life-saving boat, firefighting ambulance, the maritime police, the search and rescue air force marine helicopter, as well as all the local civil protection resources.

"For the families in mourning I wish to stress my sorrow and compassion.

"Life continues and despite difficult times to come, good luck to all their seven children that are well."