A holidaymaker from Southend was a victim of the tsunami disaster.

The man - as yet unnamed - was out snorkelling when time the massive tidal waves struck.

His wife was distraught when he failed to return from the diving trip and today another Southend couple also on holiday there confirmed the grim news.

Tammy and Graham Hannington, of Cranley Road, were holidaying in the Maldives when they met the other couple and discovered they were also from the town.

Mr Hannington phoned his father-in-law Stanley Reed at his home in Great Wakering home today and broke the news that their new-found friend's body had been recovered.

Mr Reed said: "He told me 'The chap was swept away but his body has been recovered.'

"Graham said they would be going to his funeral when they get back."