Brit found dead in Majorca after horror diving incident near holiday hotspot

The man, aged between 60 and 70, was pulled lifeless out of the sea by the Malgrats Islands opposite the Bay of Santa Ponsa - a short drive from the holiday resort of Magaluf

A British man has been found dead after going diving off the coast of Majorca.

The man, aged between 60 and 70, was pulled lifeless out of the sea by the Malgrats Islands - two uninhabited islets opposite the Bay of Santa Ponsa and a short drive from the holiday resort of Magaluf. The horror discovery was made by a Civil Protection boat, before the man's body was recovered and taken to Santa Ponsa Yacht Club.

He is understood to have been wearing just a mask and swim shorts when he was found. The alarm was raised around 4pm on Tuesday, sparking the local Civil Guard to launch an immediate investigation to find out who the dead man was. While his name has not been shared, well-placed sources confirmed this afternoon that the man was British.

Reports at the time of the discovery earlier this week, before his nationality emerged, described him as being aged between 60 and 70. It is not yet known whether he was holidaying on the Island, or living there.

A police source said this afternoon: “The death is not being treated as suspicious at this stage.” Officials have not yet said whether they have established drowning as cause of death or think he suffered a previous health problem before getting into difficulties. The Civil Guard has been reporting to a court in Palma ahead of a post-mortem. It is not yet clear how the dead man was identified.

The Malgrats Islands Natural Reserve is regarded as an excellent area to go snorkelling. Island firms offer tours of its fascinating cave system and crystal clear waters which include a hotel pick-up and return service and supply of mask, snorkel fins and wetsuit if necessary as well as a boat ride to the snorkel area.

The islands were declared a marine reserve in 2004 in recognition of the high ecological and fishing value of the region as well as the diversity of animal habitats and communities.

The controversial 2007 sinking of a decommissioned Spanish frigate, promoted by town hall officials to create an artificial reef for diving but opposed by groups such as Greenpeace, has reportedly led to it becoming even more popular with scuba divers.