Antigua and Barbuda Police is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 73-year-old visitor to the island.

Officers attached to Dockyard Police Station responded to a report of a suspected drowning in the English Harbour area at approximately 11:17 am on February 28.

Preliminary investigations indicate that Christopher Graham Jones of England was on a snorkelling excursion near Galleon Beach when he reportedly began experiencing difficulties while swimming.

The captain of a nearby vessel went to his assistance after observing persons in the water signalling for help. Jones was pulled aboard the vessel and CPR was immediately administered.

He was later taken ashore, where members of the Antigua and Barbuda Search and Rescue (ABSAR) team continued life-saving efforts.

The visitor was subsequently transported to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 12:39 pm by a medical practitioner.

Police said Jones and his wife had arrived in Antigua earlier that day aboard a cruise vessel from Barbados.

The Police Administration extended condolences to the family of the deceased and is urging residents and visitors to exercise extreme caution while at the beach and to observe appropriate safety measures at all times.