Elderly British tourist collapses and dies after swim at popular Greek beach

Rethymnon is a popular tourist destination in Cret
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images)


A 71-year-old British tourist has tragically died after "feeling unwell" after a swim off the Greek shore.

The woman, whose name has not yet been released, got into difficulty while swimming off the southern coast of the Greek island of Crete on Sunday. Despite managing to reach the shore, her condition quickly deteriorated, The Mirror reports.

The tourist collapsed and emergency services were called to the scene, and rushed her to Rethymnon Hospital. Unfortunately, despite the efforts of medical staff, she could not be saved.

READ MORE:TUI couple among 'hundreds of people seriously ill' after luxury hotel holidays

READ MORE:Holly Willoughby breaks silence as Phillip Schofield returns to TV with support flooding in

Local media reports that the tourist fell unwell shortly after entering the water. A preliminary investigation is being carried out by the local Port Authority of Agia Galini to determine the exact circumstances surrounding her death.

This tragic incident comes just months after another British tourist, aged 66, died while swimming at Achladies beach on the island of Skiathos in July. In that case, the woman had left her hotel to take a swim when she passed out in the water. She was pulled from the sea by a lifeguard, and CPR was administered, but sadly, she could not be revived, CNN Greece reported.

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter.