Selfie blamed in falling deaths of 2 tourists in Portugal

LISBON, Portugal – Authorities in Portugal say that a British and an Australian tourist plunged to their deaths in a coastal town while reportedly taking selfies from a wall overlooking the beach.

The Correio da Manha newspaper reported Tuesday that the tourists’ bodies were found on a beach in Ericera, around 40 kilometres (25 miles) north of Lisbon, along with mobile phones, wallets and other possessions.

Rui Pereira da Terra, a captain with the local naval authority, told broadcaster TVI that authorities believe the couple fell when trying to recover a phone or while trying to take photographs on the 30-meter (32.8-yard) high wall.

Australia’s foreign affairs department said Wednesday in an email that consular authorities were assisting the family of the Australian victim and co-ordinating with British authorities about the second person.