A female visitor has died after being pulled out of shallow waters at Horseshoe Bay in an unresponsive state.

The woman, in her late 50’s, was taken to hospital on Saturday where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

A spokeswoman for the Bermuda Police Service said: “Shortly after 3pm on Saturday, August 20, police and other first responders were dispatched to a report of a medical emergency at the Horseshoe Bay beach in Warwick.

“Upon police arrival, it was ascertained that a 57-year-old female visitor, had been pulled from shallow waters by on duty lifeguards, in an unresponsive state.

“Despite lifesaving efforts commenced at the scene, she was subsequently pronounced dead on arrival at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

“An autopsy is anticipated to determine the cause of death.”

Michael Weeks, National Security Minister, last night offered his condolences to the family and friends of the deceased woman, as he warned about the dangers of rip-tides on the south shore.

He said: “It is always tragic when a visitor dies on our shores, especially under the circumstances. I send my sympathies to the victim’s friends and family.

“I also want to take this opportunity to urge residents and visitors to exercise caution and vigilance while in and around the Island’s waters – especially when many of us are enjoying the summer beach weather.

“People should be particularly vigilant over the potential for unpredictable rip-tides in our waters - especially on south shore beaches.”

The BPS said they would not provide further information about the incident until the dead women’s family had been informed.