British tourist, 71, dies after swimming off popular Greek beach

The woman reportedly fell unwell while she was swimming

A British tourist has died after 'feeling unwell' following a swim off the shore of a popular Greek island. The 71-year-old woman got into difficulty in the water off the southern coast of Crete on Sunday, September 29.

She reportedly fell unwell after entering the water. The woman managed to reach the shore but her condition is said to have deteriorated.

The tourist collapsed and was rushed to hospital. Despite their efforts, medics were unable to save the woman.

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Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene, near Agia Galini in Crete, after she fell ill, according to local media. A preliminary investigation has now been launched by the local Port Authority of Agia Galini.

It hopes to determine the circumstances surrounding her death, Mirror reports. Her death was officially pronounced at Rethymnon Hospital, where the woman was sent in an ambulance.

The woman's tragic death comes after another British tourist died after passing out while swimming at Achladies beach, in Skiathos, in July. In that tragedy, the 66-year-old woman had left her hotel to go for a swim on the beach on the south of the island, CNN Greece reported.

She then fell unconscious in the water and was pulled out of the sea by a lifeguard. Medics performed CPR and immediately took her to the nearby Skiathos Health Centre but were unable to save her.