A DISTRAUGHT father last night said his son had been left to die by a boat crew who returned to shore to get help rather than pulling him from the water.

Douglas Bryson said his son, also Douglas, had no chance of survival after he was left in the water for 25 minutes before a rescue party returned.

The 30-year-old got into difficulties while swimming with three friends 50m off the shoreline of Playa del Ingles, in Gran Canaria.

The crew had anchored to allow tourists to swim in the sea but undercurrents dragged Douglas away from the boat.

By the time a rescue party had been organised to save him, he had drowned.

Devastated Mr Bryson, 47, of, Gateshead, Tyneside, said: "He was a wonderful lad, full of fun and always up for enjoying himself. I can't believe this has happened."

Mr Bryson is demanding an investigation.

He said: "I don't understand why the crew decided to go back to shore when they could see he was struggling.

"His friends tell me it took 25 minutes to get jet skis out to go and help him. Can you imagine what must have been going through his mind when he was watching the boat sail away, realising he was in trouble?"

The boat owner has been questioned by Spanish police but they could not confirm if charges will be brought.

Douglas, who had no brothers or sisters leaves behind a 12-year- old daughter, Chloe.