Portuguese President rescues two women from drowning

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa of Portugal has rescued two women from drowning at an Algarve beach after their kayak capsized.

The 71-year-old President was videoed swimming over to the kayakers who were struggling in the water and he later told the press that the women had been swept by currents from a neighbouring beach into the bay.

The Portuguese number one citizen who is currently on holiday in the Algarve, which is aimed at promoting tourism in the area, said he noticed the drowning women shortly after he had spoken to journalists at Praia do Alvor beach.

After rescuing the women, President Sousa told journalists, “As there is a very large west current, they were dragged out, turned around, swallowed a lot of water and were not even able to turn [the kayak], nor to climb [on it], or swim, such is the strength of the current.”

The President said he was helped by another “patriot” on the Jet Ski.

Rebelo de Sousa is known as an avid beachgoer and man of the people, often seen in stores chatting with people or by himself on a beach near his home.