Two elderly French tourists have died after reportedly suffering heart attacks in simultaneous incidents in the water at Michaelmas Cay earlier today.

A third French tourist travelling with the group was initially believed to have suffered a heart attack, but the condition was later confirmed as shock.

Police are currently investigating the incidents.

STATEMENT FROM PASSIONS OF PARADISE

Passions of Paradise has extended its sympathy to the family and friends of the two elderly French travellers who died at Michaelmas Cay this morning.

Chief Executive Officer Scotty Garden said the man and woman were among a French group of 21 elderly people on board the catamaran today.

“They had pre-existing medical conditions and were accompanied by a guide when they were in the water,” he said.

“Passions of Paradise had a lookout on the beach, another on the boat and two snorkel guides in the water. All staff have current qualifications in CPR and first aid.

“The Passions of Paradise lookout on the beach noticed a man floating in the water and pulled him to the sand cay where he performed CPR.

“He was then assisted by a doctor on the sand cay.

“The Passions of Paradise lookout on the boat saw a woman floating in the water and pulled her on to the catamaran where CPR was performed.

“A third person was treated for shock by staff on board the boat.”

Mr Garden said Passions of Paradise had offered assistance to the group.

“I have nothing but praise for our staff who did everything within their power to assist the people including retrieving them from the water and performing CPR until medical assistance arrived,” he said.

“It is very stressful for our staff but their priority has been with helping the group.”