Two die of 'health conditions' while snorkelling on Reef

TWO elderly French people have died of pre-existing health conditions while snorkeling at Michaelmas Cay, off Cairns, this morning. 

A statement released by the company which owns the boat on which they went out said there were 21 elderly people aboard today's trip. 

"They had pre-existing medical conditions and were accompanied by a guide when they were in the water," Passions of Paradise CEO Scotty Garden said. 

He said the company had a lookout on the beach and guides in the water, with everyone trained in CPR. 

"The Passions of Paradise lookout on the beach noticed a man floating in the water and pulled him to the sand cay where he performed CPR.

"He was then assisted by a doctor on the sand cay.

"The Passions of Paradise lookout on the boat saw a woman floating in the water ad puled her on to the catamaran where CPR was performed.

"A third person later suffered a medical condition but survived."

He said Passions of Paradise had offered assistance to the group.