Two men die after being swept into difficulty off a Vendée beach

Two holidaymakers died after getting into difficulty in the sea off Les Granges beach in Les Sables-d’Olonne, in western France’s Vendée region.

The men were aged 67 and 72, according to one local report; another gave both men as 67.

They were swimming when they were swept away by a current, according to initial information reported by a local broadcaster.

Rescue teams sent 16 firefighters and two helicopters to the scene.

Both men were found in cardiac arrest and could not be revived.

Their deaths highlight the danger of currents for people swimming at the coast.

The reports gave no further information about an investigation or next steps.