A BRIT pensioner has drowned after vanishing while swimming in the Philippines.
Derek Arthur Silverthorne, 79, from Brighton, was spotted unconscious in the water of the secluded Bisucay island in Cuyo by a passing ferry.
He was last seen alive swimming in the sea on Saturday morning before he was found shortly before midday.
The expatriate, who was part of the local watersports association and known as Bill to friends, was wearing a rash guard diving top and flippers when officers retrieved him.
Coastguards attempted to revive him with CPR but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
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Bill's best friend Jimmy from the Cuyo Watersports Association described him as the "happiest person" in an emotional tribute.
He said: "We still can't believe what happened to him.
"Bill was the happiest person I knew. He loved the sea and loved diving.
"I cannot give any more details about how he died."
Local businesswoman Daziella Young said on March 26 that Bill had been staying in the tropical country for more than a decade.
She said: "On our Island of Cuyo, Palawan, a British bachelor lived for more than 15 years since 2008 at our humble pension house.
"For us, he was part of the family. He was our first-ever tenant.
"We love you so much Bill, that it breaks my heart to know you left us so suddenly."
The grieving friend said that Bill's wake would be held in her home to follow the Englishman's wishes.
She added: "His wake will take place at our home in Villa Gange, Catadman, Cuyo, Palawan.
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"We contacted his next of kin and the UK embassy because he wanted to be buried in his beloved Cuyo Island-his second home."
His funeral is still being arranged as Derek's local friends coordinate with the embassy.
