French storms: Nine drown in choppy Mediterranean sea

At least nine people have drowned in rough Mediterranean seas in the south of France, officials have said.

They were swept out to sea while swimming in choppy waters on several different beaches on the south coast.

High winds had stirred up the seas, causing a swell, French media report.

Five people in their 60s and 70s died in Hérault, two aged 58 and 71 died in Bouches-du-Rhône, and another two died on a beach in Leucate, Aude.

Emergency services in Hérault said they had tried to save 12 people drowning off beaches in Agde, La Grande-Motte, Marseillan, Serignan and Vias. Seven were rescued but five died.