A British holidaymaker has died after being struck by a motorboat while snorkeling off a tropical island in Malaysia. Madaline Cole was exploring the waters around the Perhentian Islands in the South China Sea when she was struck.

The 25-year-old, from Hereford in England, was reportedly caught by the boat's propellers and suffered severe injuries. Her friend - named by a Malaysian newspaper as 22-year-old Simon Rogers, from Australia - was taken to hospital after injuring his legs and stomach.

Superintendent Kamaruddin Mohd Zakaria, of the local police force, told The Star the accident happened as the boat was bringing other tourists to the shore.

A spokesman for the Foreign Office said it was "aware of the death of a British national. We are providing consular assistance to the family at this difficult time," he added.

Ms. Cole is believed to have arrived in Malaysia in early April.

The country's Perhentian Islands are favoured by tourists because of their sandy beaches and clear seas, which are home to many species of tropical fish and coral reefs. The islands, especially Pulau Perhentian Kecil, are particularly popular with backpackers.

It is not clear whether Ms. Cole was snorkelling independently or as part of an organised activity.