Brit tourist, 22, drowns in front of his girlfriend, 19, in Lake Como after boat drifted away in strong winds

A BRITISH student has tragically drowned in Lake Como while on holiday with his girlfriend in Italy.

The 22-year-old and his partner rented a boat on Wednesday evening – but he was unable to swim back to it after taking it out on the water.

Photolibrary RM - Getty

Menaggio, overlooking Lake Como in Italy[/caption]

Strong winds pushed the boat far out off the coast of Menaggio, four miles north of their hotel in Tremezzina.

The couple then had to try and swim to the boat in the choppy waters.

The young woman, 19, lost sight of her boyfriend before he drowned.

She was rescued by a passing boat when those onboard spotted her struggling in the water.

The woman was unharmed but exhausted and in shock as her rescuers said her boyfriend was missing.

A massive search was quickly launched for him.

Firefighters, rescue teams, and helicopters scoured the huge Lake and shores around Menaggio.

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