BEACHGOERS battled to save a swimmer's life after he was pulled unconscious from the water at Sandsfoot Beach, Weymouth, after a suspected heart attack.
They gave him mouth to mouth resuscitation and chest compressions until help arrived, but he was later pronounced dead in hospital.
The drama unfolded at 2pm yesterday when the man, believed to be in his 60s and from Weymouth, was taken from the water.
Members of the public tried to revive him before the coastguard helicopter arrived minutes later.
The swimmer was flown to the accident and emergency department at the Dorset County Hospital, but was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.
Coastguard watch manager Maddy Davey said: "Sadly despite all the best efforts of the emergency services and members of the public, the man was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at hospital."
Wyke Coastguard Rescue Team was also scrambled to help in the operation along with Dorset Ambulance and the police. The man was earlier seen swimming alone in Portland harbour.
The police have recovered some of his possessions. They have been attempting to identify the man, who lives locally, and notify next of kin.
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