Margaret Winifred Davies was staying at the five-star Knossos Royal hotel in the town of Hersonissos

The 78-year-old tourist was staying at the five-star Knossos Royal hotel in the town of Hersonissos when she lost consciousness.

She was dragged from the water and received first aid before being taken to hospital, but was pronounced dead.

Three people have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter by negligence, including a 21-year-old female lifeguard who was supposed to be on duty at the time.

The Cretapost website reported that the lifeguard was not at her post at the time of the incident.

The Knossos Royal Hotel occupies a prime position on the northern coast of Crete and promises ‘rolling lawns, lush landscaping and impeccable facilities’

The hotel’s director, 51, and general manager, 41, were also arrested.

All three suspects have been released.

Safety complaints

The hotel occupies a prime position on the northern coast of Crete and promises “rolling lawns, lush landscaping and impeccable facilities”, according to its website.

It boasts several swimming pools, which are “designed to appeal to all senses and play an important role in the resort’s architectural structure”.

In a statement, the Knossos Royal expressed its “sincere condolences and deepest sympathy” to the family of the deceased and denied any wrongdoing.

“From the very first moment we were informed about the guest’s discomfort, the hotel management responded to the incident with complete responsibility, seriousness, and professionalism, providing immediate assistance, support, and every possible medical aid to her,” it added.

It also urged against speculation over the woman’s cause of death before the release of an official forensic report by the Greek authorities.

Hersonissos, a popular resort town in the north of Crete where the incident happened - Moment RF

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesman said: “We are supporting the family of a British woman who died in Crete and are in touch with local authorities.”

The incident comes after a British tourist was found dead on his sun lounger on a beach near Hersonissos on July 20.

The 74-year-old man had lost consciousness shortly after going swimming in the sea on Stalis Beach and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Meanwhile, a search for a British woman is continuing after she went missing from a beach in northern Greece.

Michele Bourda, 59, is reported to have disappeared while her husband slept on a beach in Kavala

Her family raised the alarm, but police have so far been unable to find her.

She had been swimming at midday on Friday and was wearing a two-piece swimsuit featuring rhinestones, as well as yellow beach shoes and red bone-rimmed sunglasses when she went missing.

According to local media, she lived with her husband, who is of Greek origin.

She had reportedly gone to the beach with him and disappeared while he was sleeping on a deckchair.

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