An American tourist died shortly after getting into difficulties while on a snorkelling trip near Ferry Reach yesterday.

The 62-year-old, who has not been named, was on a tour with the charter boat Ocean Spirit at Whale Bone Bay when he experienced breathing difficulties at 11.40 a.m.

According to one source, the man was in the water when he had trouble breathing and began clutching his chest.

The crew of the boat frantically applied CPR to the man, who arrived in Bermuda on the cruise ship Horizon, and called Marine Police.

The Marine Police boat collected the man and raced him to the dock at Grotto Bay Beach Hotel where he was met by fire crews from Clearwater Fire Department and an ambulance.

He was taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, but died a short time later.

Police have not named the man, who is from Connecticut. It is understood he was married with two children.

The cause of death has not been determined but foul play has been ruled out.