Briton collapses and dies after swimming in 'rough and cold' seas in Sicily

Police say holidaymakers went for a swim when the water was "choppy and cold", on a beach where there is no lifeguard on duty

The Briton died in Sicily after going for a swim (

Image: Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

A British woman tragically collapsed and died on a beach in Sicily moments after swimming in the sea.

Deborah Hooper, 64, was vacationing with her partner with retired accountant Andrew Ashman, 72, when she bathed in the 'rough' sea at a beach near Punta Secca, Sicily , Italy.

Ms. Hooper suddenly felt unwell and managed to get out of the water and reach the shore, before likely suffering cardiac arrest.

Police told MailOnline the holidaymakers went for a swim when the water was 'choppy and cold', on a beach where there is no lifeguard on duty.

Aerial view, from a helicopter, of the sea and the beach of 'Punta Secca' (

Picture:

Getty Images)

Mrs. Hooper tragically collapsed on the beach in front of her husband. Doctors were called but could not save the Briton who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Ms Hooper was from Salisbury, Wiltshire, while her partner is from Hampstead, North West London.

“We believe she had some form of medical episode. were able to enter and had to wait for her to get closer to the shore," Carabinieri police spokesman Lt. Col. Giovanni Palatini told MailOnline.

Mr. Palatini said there was nothing they could do to save her and an autopsy to determine the cause of death was underway.