Scottish youngster, four, dies after drowning in swimming pool on family holiday in Mauritius

A four-year-old boy has died after drowning in a swimming pool while on holiday with family in Mauritius.

Emergency crews rushed Ozair Ali to hospital in the Flacq region of the popular holiday destination after the incident at the Lux Hotel in Belle Mare but were unable to revive him following the incident.

The youngster, from Cumbernauld, sadly passed away at the Dr Bruno Cheong Hospital on Tuesday, June 28.

A spokesperson for the Mauritius Police Force told STV News: “He was swimming in the hotel’s pool in company of his family members, when at about [2pm] his father noticed that he was having difficulty breathing. He was immediately removed to a safe place.

“All the emergency agencies attended within good [time].

“The cause of death was, after an autopsy, certified to be ‘asphyxia, due to drowning’.”

A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said they were supporting the child’s family after his body was flown home to Scotland.

His funeral was held at Glasgow Central Mosque on Friday, July 1, with the burial taking place at Cumbernauld cemetery.

In a tribute posted on social media, the boy’s father wrote: “He was the sweetest, sweetest boy in the world, with the right dose of cheekiness and love. He would instantly light up a room and drew everyone towards him with his loving personality.

“In his short 4 and a half years, he has given us so many memories which we will cherish everyday and I will take the sorrow of his departure to my grave.

“Your baba waits for the day we are reunited.”

He was understood to be on an extended break at the Lux resort in the quiet village of Belle Mare with his father, mother and older brother.

The FCDO spokesperson added: “We are supporting the family of a British child who died in Mauritius.

“Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time.”

Just days after the incident the Lux Hotel was engulfed in flames.

A note from the resort’s management read: “There has been a major fire at Lux Belle Mare.

“Thankfully, all guests and team members are safe. Sadly, the resort will be closed until further notice. Right now, the wellbeing and safety of all are our priorities.

“Guests who have booked our resort, we’ll get in touch with you shortly.”

Mauritius Police said the outbreak of the blaze was currently under investigation.