19-year-old British watersports instructor dies after 'diving into sea and failing to resurface' in Greece

The teenager is described as a 'beloved son, brother and friend' on his Facebook memorial page

(Facebook)

A 19-year old British watersports instructor has died in Greece while snorkling.

The body of Harry Byatt was discovered on the seabed off the island of Zakynthos in the south-west of the country, where he was working.

His employer, the Peligoni Club, said the alarm was raised minutes after he failed to emerge from a dive using a monofin and a mask.

His unconscious body was found at a depth of about 30m and pulled to the surface, but medical professionals were unable to revive him with CPR once he was brought to the shore.

Tributes have been paid on social media to the former pupil of the private Eastbourne College.

The teenager was described as a “beloved son, brother and friend” on his Facebook memorial page.

A statement from Eastbourne College said: "Our thoughts are with his family at this incredibly sad time.

"The college and CCF (Combined Cadet Force) flags will fly at half-mast at the beginning of next term.

"His parents and sister have asked us to let the college community know and to advise that further details about arrangements will follow in due course."

The Peligoni Club said it was working with the authorities to establish the exact circumstances of the death.

“Three doctors, two guests from the UK and one local doctor, and an army medic from the UK did everything they could to revive him on site whilst awaiting the ambulance," it said.

"However, on arrival at the hospital he was pronounced dead. We are working closely with the local authorities in their investigation of the accident.

The Foreign Office was in contact with the local authorities in Greece and with the family.