The 62-year-old American visitor who drowned in Sunday’s snorkelling incident at the Fairmont Southampton beach property was yesterday named as Michael E Smith.

According to police, Mr Smith, from South Carolina, was snorkelling with a visiting male friend in the East Whale Bay area at the Fairmont Southampton Resort at about 1.10pm when he encountered difficulty.

“Apparently Mr Smith was helped ashore by his friend and others in the area who heeded the call to assist,” a police statement said.

“CPR was then commenced by beach staff and continued by Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service personnel at the scene, as well as EMTs during transport to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance.

“However, despite these life-saving efforts, the South Carolina resident was pronounced dead at 1.45pm Sunday at the hospital.”