A BRITISH tourist who drowned in Lake Como after the boat he was on with his girlfriend was swept away in strong currents has been named as a student from St Helens, according to reports.

The man has been identified as Sam Rigby, 22, who was on holiday in the Italian town of Tremezzina with his girlfriend Olivia Greenall, 19, the Times reports.

Tributes are being paid to him on social media, with stories posted across national media shared by devastated friends.

In a statement, the Foreign Office said: “We are supporting the family of a British man who died in Italy and are in contact with the local authorities.”

It is reported the young couple took a rental boat on the lake and were sailing towards Menaggio when they stopped to go swimming.

Reports say they got into difficulty when a gust of wind swept away the boat. They were unable to reach the lake’s shore.

According to the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, the couple became separated. Olivia was rescued by a passing cruiser and taken back to shore, reports add.

Rescue teams reportedly launched a search and Sam's body was recovered late on Wednesday.

Tributes have been paid to Sam on social media, with friends expressing shock.

Callum Hill, his cousin, wrote on Facebook: “RIP Sam no matter where you are you're always my annoying little cousin … miss you mate.

"Thinking about you all, heart goes out to your missus too mate, until I see you again.”

Meanwhile, Cath Twist, headteacher at St Cuthberts, where both Sam and his girlfriend Olivia used to attend, has paid tribute to Sam following the tragedy.

She said: "The thoughts and prayers of everyone at St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School go out to Sam and Liv’s families at this tragic time.

"Both students epitomised our school motto of living life in all its fullness."

A FCDO spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of a British man who died in Italy and are in contact with the local authorities.”