British tourist, 33, drowns while swimming at famous Greek shipwreck

The shipwreck lies just off a beach in a nature reserve near Epanomi (Picture: Getty)

A British tourist has died after getting into difficulty in the sea at a shipwreck in Greece, according to local media.

The 33-year-old was seen to be in danger after rough seas set in around the Epanomi Shipwreck near the northern city of Thessaloniki on Friday.

Lying just off a beach on a nature reserve, the wreck is a popular snorkelling spot due to the crystal clear waters and variety of sea life inhabiting it.

Other visitors raised the alarm, after which two lifeguard boats were dispatched to the scene.

One swimmer managed to pull the man out, but he was already unconscious.

Paramedics who were present on the beach tried to resuscitate him but their efforts were in vain.

The victim’s body will be kept in Greece while post-mortem examinations are carried out.

The shipwreck is said to be the remains of a government transport vessel which hit the sandbank in the 1970s and was left abandoned.

Tourists are recommended only to visit it if they are strong swimmers as it lies about 250 metres out to sea.

This is a developing news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.

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