Brit, 34, dies while swimming at tourist spot on Greek island

By SHANNON MCGUIGAN, NEWS REPORTER Published: 20:26, 19 August 2026 | Updated: 20:27, 19 August 2026 A 34-year-old British man died while swimming in a tourist spot on a famous Greek island yesterday. The tourist had gotten into difficulty while swimming near Marathonisi in Laganas on the island of Zakynthos – also known as Zante. Bystanders are said to have raised the alarm when they saw the 34-year-old was in distress, local media reported. Port authority officers and beachgoers helped get the man to shore, where cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid were immediately performed. He was rushed to the port of Agios Sostis and then to hospital by patrol boat after being found in a critical condition. The 34-year-old was later pronounced dead at the General Hospital of Zakynthos. A preliminary investigation has been launched into the incident by the Zakynthos Port Authority. A post-mortem into his death will also be carried out. The British man, 34, had gotten into difficulty while swimming near Marthonisi in Laganas (pictured) on the island of Zakynthos - also known as Zante A Zakynthos Port Authority spokesman said: 'Yesterday afternoon (Tuesday), the [authority] was informed of a 34-year-old foreigner (British citizen) in a difficult position near the Marathonisi area of Laganas, Zakynthos. 'With the assistance of beachgoers, he was transported to the shore, where he was provided with first aid using the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) method. 'The 34-year-old was picked up by a patrol boat and transported to the port of Agios Sostis, Zakynthos. 'Subsequently, the man was taken to the Zakynthos General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. A preliminary investigation is being conducted by the Zakynthos Port Authority. The Daily Mail has approached the Foreign Office for comment.