A YOUNG woman “devoted” to wildlife conservation died after she was struck by a boat’s propeller off the north east coast of Malaysia.

Madaline Mary Jayne Cole, known as Maddy to family and friends, suffered serious injuries to her lower limbs and torso on Monday while in waters off the Perhentians islands.

The 25-year-old from Bodenham, who had been snorkelling with a friend, died on her way to hospital.

The friend, believed to be from Australia, is not thought to have suffered life-threatening injuries.

The tragedy comes only four months after Madaline qualified as a diving instructor.

For more on this story, see tomorrow's Hereford Times.