Briton dies in Cyprus naval crash

A British tourist has died after apparently being hit by a British Army patrol boat while swimming in Cyprus.

The identity of the man will not be released until his family are informed, said Captain Peter Thacker, a military spokesman.

The incident happened at 1310 local time (1110BST) near the Akrotiri military base next to Limassol.

Captain Thacker said "an immediate and thorough investigation" had been launched by the base's police.

'Tragic incident'

The investigation into the "tragic incident" on the southern coast of the island was expected to take some time, he added.

The area was used by commercial and private shipping as well as naval vessels, but he declined to give further details about the incident.

Britain has maintained two sovereign bases in Cyprus since the former colony became independent in 1960.