Pictured: Brit who was killed by lightning strike while paddleboarding in Rhodes

The father of a British tourist who was killed by a lightning strike while paddleboarding in Greece is said to be ‘heartbroken and distraught’ over his son’s death.

Greek officials had earlier named the Brit as 26-year-old Scott Seddon who was electrocuted on Monday afternoon in the Agia Agathi area of Rhodes while his girlfriend was reportedly filming him out at sea.

Mr Seddon, who lived with his sister Layla and father Steve in a large bungalow in Liverpool, was described by close friends as a ‘lovely guy’ and ‘really popular’.

The keen sportsman, who had trained to be a civil engineer and worked in the building trade, spoke Greek and was a regular visitor to the family’s holiday home. 

A family friend told MailOnline: ‘I spoke to his dad and he told me Scott had been electrocuted.

Scott Seddon (pictured) died after being struck by lightning while his girlfriend filmed him paddleboarding in Greece

 Mr Seddon (pictured), who lived with his sister Layla and father Steve in a large bungalow in Liverpool, was described by close friends as a ‘lovely and really popular guy’

‘He said he was distraught. Steve couldn’t say any more. He’s heartbroken.’

He added: ‘His sister flew out there last night to be with the rest of the family. Scott was a lovely guy and really popular. 

‘He used to live in Greece with the family and spoke Greek. He loved it there but now they go and visit there holiday home there and live back here now.’

Mr Seddon died at the scene despite attempts by his girlfriend, a Brazilian resident, and emergency services to save him.

Brazilian Wander Machado, 47, told Greek news outlet Rodiaki: ‘I swam to get him out. But once I reached the board, I saw his body crouched over and face down on the board. His face had turned purple.

‘I immediately knew that every second was crucial and started pulling him to the shore.’

It is understood that other tourists had urged the man to leave the water when he encountered difficulties at around 1.30pm local time (11.30am BST).

His girlfriend and other beachgoers reportedly started calling for help after he was struck by lightning. 

Beachgoers and emergency services desperately tried to save Mr Seddon’s life (pictured surfing in July 2021) but they were unable to revive him

Mr Seddon (pictured) passed away after an ambulance and medics arrived and was later taken to Archangelos Health Centre

It is understood that other tourists had urged the man to leave the water when he encountered difficulties at around 1.30pm local time (11.30am BST). Pictured: Agia Agathi beach

He was then pulled out of the water by those on the beach and was ‘still alive’, according to witnesses.

But he passed away after an ambulance and medics arrived and was later taken to Archangelos Health Centre.

Mr Machado added: ‘I was worried that the same thing would happen to me as it was still raining but I didn’t stop.

‘The rescuers arrived shortly afterwards and performed all the resuscitation procedures to keep him alive. Unfortunately, I found out a little later that he didn’t make it.’

An investigation by the Central Port Authority of Rhodes has been launched,  according to Rodiaki.

An FCDO spokesperson said: ‘We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Rhodes and are in contact with local authorities.’