A HOLIDAYMAKER from Clacton collapsed and died as he battled to save a woman who had suffered a heart attack in the sea.

Bernard Harris, who is believed to be in his early 60s, was on holiday in Cyprus when he suffered a cardiac arrest.

He went to the aid of Christine Sugarhood, who had gone into rough seas to save her drowning husband Norman at the popular tourist resort of Paphos.

She managed to pull him to safety, but then collapsed in the water.

Mr Harris is reported to have swum out and then dragged Mrs Sugarhood on to the beach before trying to revive her using CPR.

However, he also collapsed while trying to help.

Both victims were rushed to hospital, but were declared dead on arrival.

Father-of-three Mr Harris had only arrived on holiday with wife Janet four days before the tragedy.

They were staying at the fourstar Athena Beach Hotel.

A hotel spokesman said Mr Harris had been a loyal customer for many years and the victims’ partners were being comforted there by family and friends.

Paphos has notoriously strong sea currents, but there were no lifeguards on the beach because the main tourism season has ended.

The tragedy happened on the afternoon of November 4.

Post-mortem examinations found both victims had died from heart attacks.