Premier Dr. Ewart Brown has sent condolences to the family of a US tourist who drowned on Sunday evening.

The victim, who got into difficulties while snorkelling off Pompano Beach Club, was named yesterday as Juergen Ausborn, 66, from Ardsley, Southern Westchester County, New York.

According to the Police, Mr. Ausborn, his fiance and a friend rented a kayak and snorkelling gear from the club in Southampton, where they were guests.

Around 100 yards out in the water he got into trouble in the choppy surf and "became unresponsive".

Local boaters rushed to help, with nurses and dive boat instructors from passing vessels administering CPR as Mr. Ausborn lay on a floating dock. He was rushed ashore, but later pronounced dead at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

Responding to news of the death yesterday, Dr. Brown said: "My Government colleagues and I were obviously saddened to learn one of our visitors drowned over the weekend.

"The Department of Tourism has offered its assistance to Mr. Ausborn's travelling party, but to date no assistance has been requested. Our thoughts, prayers and condolences are with his family and friends."

The rest of the travelling party was said to have checked out of Pompano Beach Club by staff there yesterday, who declined to comment on the death.

According to Coroner's Officer Lee-Roma Swan, an autopsy concluded that the cause of death was drowning.

P.c Swan said there were no suspicious circumstances, and the results of histology and toxicology tests are expected in around six weeks. The Coroner will decide whether or not there will be an inquest after he reviews the file.

A Police spokesman said yesterday: "The Bermuda Police Service would like to thank the members of the public who came to the aid of the victim and also extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased."