Hero British tourist drowns trying to save pensioner off Cyprus beach

A British tourist has died on holiday in Cyprus after he tried 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, The Star reports.

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

The Cyprus Mail reports that 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 next year.

His brother-in-law Garry Fisher, 56, told The Star: "Nobody can believe it – Keith was such a strong swimmer, he did lifesaving badges when he was younger.

"Keith died a hero and we are all very proud of what he did, trying to save someone's life, but we are just devastated at what happened to him."

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