View of Lake Como with buildings and mountains in the background. Site of tragic drowning of British tourist after diving into water and boat drifting off

A British tourist who drowned in Lake Como on Wednesday has been named as 21-year-old Sam Rigby.

Rigby got into difficulty on the Italian lake during a boat trip with his girlfriend, Olivia Greenall, on Wednesday (17 July 2024).

Rigby and his 19-year-old partner are said to have been enjoying a holiday in Tremezzina and had rented a boat in Varenna for a lake tour. Amid Italy’s ongoing heatwave, the couple decided to cool off with a swim, diving into the water near Menaggio, about four miles from their hotel.

However, strong winds caused the boat to drift away while they were in the water, leaving them stranded in the lake. Unable to reach the boat or the shore, Greenall lost sight of her boyfriend as they struggled against the currents.

“They appear to have dived into the water, but their boat was carried away, and they were unable to get back to it,” a local police source told The Telegraph.

“Unfortunately, many tourists are unaware of the dangers on Lake Como, you have to be very careful.”

A passing boat spotted Greenall and rescued her from the water. Firefighters, rescue teams, and helicopters from the fire department and the Guardia di Finanza searched the lake and surrounding shores near Menaggio, hoping Rigby had found a way to shore.

Unfortunately, his body was later found by a Guardia di Finanza aircraft near Griante.

The local Carabinieri in Menaggio has opened an investigation to determine the circumstances of his death.

A local named Angelo Vanzini, writing on the website of the Como newspaper, La Provincia, says that more information should be provided to tourists about the risks and the regulations affecting Lake Como. He says: “From my 25 years’ experience boating on the lake, I see that these motorboats are rented to people who have no experience of the lake, let alone the rules of boating.”

A spokesman for the UK Foreign Office stated: “We are supporting the family of a British man who died in Italy and are in contact with the local authorities.”

Lake Como is among Italy’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting about 1.5 million visitors a year. However, its conditions can change quickly, and its currents can make it a treacherous spot for swimmers.

Continue reading about Italy’s marine news.

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