The 68-year-old star placed the 911 call to authorities after he discovered his wife, Nerine, in the deep end of the pool at their home in Studio City, California, on 9 August.

The 30-second exchange echoed similar pleas featured on the "911 Rescue" series once hosted by Shatner. The show dramatised real-life emergencies.

The police-issued transcript begins with the actor's shocked exclamation: "Oh, my God!... "

Shatner pulled Nerine's body from pool

It appears Shatner summoned help before attempting to retrieve his wife's body from the deepest part of the pool.

The star pulled 40-year-old Nerine from the water, but was unable to resuscitate her, police said.

Just hours after the discovery, Shatner emerged from his home to tell reporters: "My beautiful wife is dead. She meant everything to me."

Police have ruled out foul play and have declared the death an "accidental drowning". Post mortem results are due next month, pending the findings of toxicology tests on Mrs Shatner's body.

Shatner, better known to millions as Starship Enterprise commander Captain James T Kirk, married the former model less than two years ago.

Following the incident, the actor's agent, Pam Loar, revealed that Shatner had filed for divorce in 1998 citing "irreconcilable differences".