Cook Islands coroner says the Australian visitor who died while snorkelling near Fruits of Rarotonga on Sunday died of natural causes.

Coroner, Georgina Keenan-Williams said it was a natural event whilst snorkelling in the shallows and there are “absolutely no safety concerns”.

Keenan-Williams said the body of the tourist would be repatriated back to Australia on Friday and passed on condolences to the family.

According to Cook Islands Police, the 57-year-old man was found floating in the lagoon at around midday on Sunday.

Cook Islands News understands the deceased was holidaying with family members in Rarotonga.

A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) spokesperson from Australia earlier said DFAT and the Australian High Commission in Rarotonga were providing consular assistance to the family.

“We offer our condolences to his family and friends,” the spokesperson said.