Tourist drowned at Club Med resort

A Singaporean tourist drowned Monday afternoon while out swimming at the Club Med Kanifinolhu resort in North Malé atoll.

The 52-year-old man was rushed to the capital but died while undergoing treatment at the ADK hospital in Malé, according to police.

The incident was reported at 12:39pm, police said.

There have been a spate of tourist deaths by drowning this year. Several fatal accidents have also occurred during diving trips.

There were 31 drowning incidents in 2017.

Five tourists, including a Filipino couple on their honeymoon, drowned in a single week in January, prompting the authorities to appeal for safety precautions during swimming, snorkelling or water sports. Police advised extra caution when children or adults who cannot swim go into the water.

The tourism ministry launched inspections of all tourist facilities and promised discussions with island councils to designate safe swimming areas.