A 23-year-old British tourist is feared to have fallen into the Tagus River in Lisbon after vanishing from a boat party. Julian Amaral, from High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, was last seen around 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 1.
Amaral had been attending a music event on a boat with his cousin when he reportedly went to the toilet and never returned. Portuguese police now consider it their primary theory that he fell into the river. His sister Cassie has been appealing for information online, noting that he is a strong swimmer and was not believed to be intoxicated.
A security guard on board the vessel reported seeing Amaral leave the boat shortly after midnight on Wednesday when it docked at Rocha Conde de Obidos. Conflicting accounts suggest he disappeared after telling his cousin he was going to the restroom on the boat.
Portuguese daily Correio da Manha reported that police may have obtained CCTV footage showing Amaral falling into the Tagus River. Ricardo Sa Granja, a spokesperson for the Portuguese Maritime Police, stated that the strongest indications at present suggest he may have fallen into the water.
Maritime police, divers, drones, and an air force helicopter have been involved in the search operation, which has focused on the area near the Vasco da Gama Bridge. The search was suspended and resumed on Saturday.
Family members have issued emotional appeals for his safe return. His sister Cassie posted on social media, emphasizing that he does not know Lisbon well and only speaks English. His cousin's partner also highlighted that Amaral would not have gone home without his cousin, given their close relationship and his unfamiliarity with the city.
Amaral was reportedly staying at a relative's house in Portugal during his holiday. The boat party, which had an all-white dress code, departed the port around 7 p.m. on Tuesday.