Two hero Brits die in holiday beach rescue in Cyprus

Two British holidaymakers have died in Cyprus in a beach rescue tragedy.

Harry Bernard, 61, went into the water to rescue Christine Sugarhood, 66, when she got into difficulty at the beach near Paphos. After pulling her out and performing CPR, Bernard suffered suspected cardiac arrest.

The Daily Mail reports that Mrs Sugarhood is believed to have gone back into the sea to save her husband Norman, who also got into difficulty.

While Norman made it back to shore, Christine suffered a heart attack. Mr Bernard and two other people tried to save Christine.

AFP reports that Mrs Sugarhood was pronounced dead on arrival to hospital. Mr Bernard, who reportedly suffered a heart attack, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said tourists saw Christine struggling in the water yesterday and fell unconscious in the sea.

Paphos sees several drownings each year due to strong currents despite authorities warning beachgoers of the dangers.

Last year, a British tourist died on holiday in Cyprus after trying to save an elderly man from drowning.

Electrician Keith West, 50, was walking along the promenade of Pernera, Paralimni on the first day of his holiday when he saw the pensioner in difficulty in the sea.

He ran to help the man and managed to pull him to shore but was dragged beneath the water by a strong current.

Police said Keith's partner called a lifeguard for help. The lifeguard found him unconscious in the water around 30 to 50 metres from the shore.

He was taken to Larnaca general hospital where his death was confirmed.

Keith and his partner had reportedly travelled to Cyprus to look for a wedding venue to get married this year.

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