An American tourist who drowned at the West End, despite a rescue attempt by members of America’s Cup team Oracle Team USA, has been named as Kevin Keeley, 52, of California.

Mr Keeley had been on board the local boat Aristocat but began having difficulties while swimming in the area of Watford Bridge around 3.45pm yesterday.

The Oracle training catamaran was in the area with an EMT on board and came to his assistance, taking him to Watford Dock, where he was picked up by an ambulance and taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital. Marine Police also came to assist.

Mr Keeley was pronounced dead at approximately 4.20pm. Police have assigned a family liaison officer has been assigned to assist his loved ones.

His death came less than 24 hours after another foreign national, 25-year-old Wilmis Herrera Moreno, a guest worker from the Dominican Republic, drowned while swimming in the area known as Paradise Lakes.

Police thanked those who came to assist during both incidents.

Police spokesman Dwayne Caines has also urged the public to be careful and take precautions while swimming.

“The waters can be very unforgiving,” he said. “We are asking those individuals who do choose to swim to make wise decisions while they are in the water.

“You must always swim with someone who is a strong swimmer, just as you should always look out for each other. If you are boating over the holiday, you should file a plan, take the appropriate safely precautions and ensure that the proper safety mechanisms, such as a first-aid kit, are on board.”

The Bermuda Police Service will be hosting a press conference tomorrow at 11am at Hamilton Police Station to talk about water safety, along with other issues pertaining to the Appleby Bermuda Half-Marathon Derby coming out of the East End.