Horror struck just after 2pm local time after the passenger suffered “a sudden health problem” on the vessel in the island capital Funchal.

1

Emergency services raced to respond to calls but sadly pronounced him dead at the scene.

Relatives with him at the time are understood to have been offered expert help from police psychologists.

Police said he had suffered a “sudden health problem” but a post-mortem will now take place to determine the exact cause of death.

It was not immediately clear if the British man had just got on board the boat and was about to go out to sea when the tragedy happened or was returning after the excursion.

Portugal’s Nacional Maritime Authority said in a statement: “A 65-year-old British man died this afternoon after suffering a sudden health problem on board a tourist boat in Funchal on the island of Madeira.

“The alarm was raised by Civil Protection workers at 2.14pm.

“Funchal Marina officials alerted the Maritime Police and an EMIR rapid intervention medical response team was mobilised.

“The victims was assisted by emergency responders but his death couldn’t be avoided. He was pronounced dead at the scene and his body taken to Funchal’s Forensic Medicine Institute.

“Police psychologists were activated and are currently supporting relatives of the victim.

“The local branch of the Maritime Police in Funchal has taken charge of the incident.”