Andrew Massey: British tourist drowns while swimming on family beach holiday in New Zealand

Andrew Massey got into trouble on Saturday evening, local police said

Ocean Beach in New Zealand, where Andrew Massey drowned while swimming on holiday (Google)

A British man has drowned while swimming with his family at a popular beach in New Zealand.

Andrew Massey, from Kent, died while swimming off Ocean Beach in Tairua, on New Zealand’s North Island.

Local police said the 68-year-old got into trouble on Saturday evening when he was in the water with family members.

Mr Massey was brought back to the shore and CPR was attempted but he could not be resuscitated.

In a statement, New Zealand Police said: “Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”

The tourist’s death will be referred to the local coroner, the statement also said.

The site of the tragedy, Tairua, is a popular holiday destination on New Zealand’s Coromandel Peninsula.

The region draws hordes of tourists every year, lured by its warm climate and beautiful beaches.

Mr Massey is not the first tourist to drown while swimming in the area recently.

In October, a man died at nearby Hot Water Beach after he tried to save a child who was struggling in the ocean.