A 70-year-old tourist was rescued after nearly drowning at Clearwater Bay last night.

According to police, the male victim got into difficulty swimming to fetch a ball shortly after 8pm, and was helped by three bystanders.

He is said to have later declined medical assistance.

Bermuda Police Service spokesman Dwayne Caines said in a statement: “It appears that a 70-year-old male visitor to the island swam a distance from shore to retrieve a ball and subsequently found himself in difficulty in the water.

“Three males swam out to the distressed man and assisted him to shore where he later appeared to in satisfactory condition.

“The 70-year-old man refused further medical assistance. Police would like to thank the three men who came to the aid of the tourist.”