A TOURIST has died while snorkeling at a popular swimming spot near Mataranka.
Adelaide man Barry Donald was enjoying a swim at Bitter Springs Nature Park last Wednesday while holidaying in the Northern Territory with partner Jan Hobbs and friends Barry and Lisa Curtis, when tragedy struck.
Acting Superintendent Kylie Proctor said the 64-year-old experienced difficulties breathing and was dragged to shore by his friends and bystanders, after they heard him cough and cry out for help.
“Nearby swimmers helped pull the man from the water, however he was unconscious before he got back to shore,” A/Supt Proctor said.
“Mataranka Health Clinic members attended the scene and conducted CPR, however the man was declared deceased at the scene.”
A/Supt Proctor said a post mortem will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
It is believed Mr Donald sucked water through his snorkel into his lungs.
The boilermaker visited Alice Springs before stopping in Mataranka.
He, his partner and friends were on their way to Darwin.