British sailor arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after ‘throwing girlfriend into river'
The sailor, 60, is reported to have fled the scene as his girlfriend - who cannot swim - was saved by another sailor on a different boat.
A witness told Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha that the British sailor 'threw his victim into the river during a row' before fleeing on his yacht.
The yachtsman allegedly knew his girlfriend could not swim when he reportedly threw her overboard, according to the newspaper.
Police later tracked down the suspect and arrested him. He was remanded in custody amid an ongoing investigation.
The 60-year-old is being investigated on suspicion of domestic violence and attempted murder, according to reports.
The incident took place on the River Tagus off the town of Oeiras, located west of Lisbon.
The victim is also understood to be British, though police have not released her nationality. She was taken to hospital after the alleged attack and her condition is unknown.
The two started their relationship about a year ago, according to public prosecutors, before moving onto the yacht together. It was owned by the man who was arrested.
The vessel has since been seized by investigators.
The River Tagus, the longest in the Iberian peninsula, is considered to be one of the most polluted in Portugal, with toxins and bacteria potentially posing a risk to those swimming in it. Some sections of the river may also have dangerous currents or streams, making it unsuitable for swimming.
Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News24
36 minutes ago
- News24
Three men gunned down in shack at Cape Town informal settlement
The police are investigating a case of murder after three men were gunned down at the Covid informal settlement in Mfuleni, Western Cape, over the weekend. Police spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut said the men, aged 21, 31 and 40, were found with gunshot wounds inside a shack on Saturday morning. 'Preliminary investigations suggest the victims were shot the previous night,' he said. 'Witnesses reported hearing gunshots but, due to adverse weather conditions, no immediate action was taken at the time.' He said the motive for the killings was yet to be determined, and the suspects remain unknown. 'Police are appealing to the public to come forward with any information that may assist the investigation.' Information can be shared anonymously via Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or the MySAPS mobile application.
CBS News
3 hours ago
- CBS News
Man dies after being hit in head during fight on CTA platform in the Loop
A man is dead after a fight on a CTA platform in the Loop Saturday night. It happened just before 10:30 p.m. at the Clark and Lake stop in the 100 block of West Lake Street. Chicago police said a 56-year-old man got into a fight with another man when he was hit in the head. He was found unresponsive by first responders. The victim was taken to Northwestern Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. It's unclear what led up to the fight. Police said they do have someone in custody. Charges are pending as of Sunday. Area 3 detectives are investigating.
News24
3 hours ago
- News24
Mkhwanazi accuses police minister of ties to crime syndicate, interfering with investigations
Mkhwanazi cites messages allegedly showing financial support from Matlala to Mchunu's political activities and coordination to derail investigations, including the transfer of case dockets. Deputy commissioner Sibiya denies allegations, dismisses the claims as baseless, challenges Mkhwanazi to provide evidence publicly, and accuses him of breaching police protocols by making unverified public statements. KwaZulu-Natal Provincial police commissioner, lieutenant general Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has made explosive allegations against police minister Senzo Mchunu, claiming he has ties to a criminal syndicate and interfered with high-profile investigations. The claims were made during a media briefing on Sunday, where Mkhwanazi detailed the work of the Political Killings Task Team and revealed evidence allegedly linking Mchunu to businessman Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, who was arrested in May for attempted murder. Background on the Political Killings Task Team Mkhwanazi explained that the task team was established in 2018 by President Cyril Ramaphosa following a surge in political assassinations in KZN. The multidisciplinary unit, comprising SA Police Service, the NPA, and State Security, has investigated 612 cases, leading to 436 arrests and the recovery of 156 firearms, 55 of which were ballistically linked to political killings. However, Mkhwanazi claimed the team's disbandment in December 2024 was influenced by its investigation into a criminal syndicate in Gauteng, one allegedly connected to high-ranking officials. Alleged communications between minister and syndicate The commissioner presented WhatsApp exchanges extracted from Matlala's phone, which purportedly show communication between the businessman and an associate of minister Mchunu. One message, dated 1 January 2025, reads: 'I have arranged a meeting for Sibiya and the Minister. They must have a solution. The task team that came to your house and harassed you has been dissolved. They got the letter on Monday. As we speak, they are bringing all dockets to Sibiya.' Mkhwanazi alleged that Matlala financially supported Mchunu's political activities, citing proof of payments for travel expenses and a gala dinner in Cape Town. He also claimed that Matlala, who held a R360 million police contract, was instructed to 'work on invoices' before his contract was abruptly cancelled in May. Claims of interference in investigations Mkhwanazi accused Mchunu of obstructing the task team's work, particularly after it linked firearms recovered in Gauteng to multiple high-profile murders. He alleged that senior police officials were dispatched to disrupt an operation targeting the syndicate. He further claimed that the Investigative Directorate Against Corruption seized evidence from the task team and arrested its project coordinator in a 'dramatic' move, which he suggested was an attempt to derail the investigation. Sibiya's Response: No Truth' to allegations Deputy national commissioner for crime detection lieutenant general Shadrack Sibiya, who was implicated in the alleged communications, dismissed Mkhwanazi's claims. Speaking to the SABC Sibiya said: 'I'm very much disappointed and shocked.' 'I spoke with General Mkhwanazi on Friday, and all was well.' He denied any wrongdoing, challenging Mkhwanazi to present evidence publicly. If he knows of any criminal offence, he must open a case. I'm giving him permission to share the evidence with the media Shadrack Sibiya He accused Mkhwanazi of breaching police protocols by airing allegations publicly instead of following internal processes. 'What General Mkhwanazi is doing is embarrassing. We are not going to bend to his level. There is no truth in what he is saying.' When pressed on whether there was a plot to remove Mkhwanazi, Sibiya denied the claim, stating: 'No one is aiming at General Mkhwanazi. He's been doing a good job.' Mkhwanazi vows to continue fight against crime Despite the controversy, Mkhwanazi insisted the task team remains operational and vowed to pursue those undermining law enforcement. 'We will fight this fight until the end. Whatever the end is,' he said. I will not surrender the safety of our people to anyone. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi He also raised concerns about drug trafficking syndicates operating through Durban's port, alleging they have infiltrated law enforcement and the judiciary. Minister Mchunu has yet to publicly respond.
