Seven people drown on holiday in South of France

Seven holidaymakers have drowned off France's Mediterranean coast after the area was hit by high winds and strong currents.

Police and rescue services said seven men had died and one 50-year-old woman remained in Montpellier Hospital in a coma on Sunday evening.

According to AFP, nine people have died in the sea in the Herault region since Friday.

A fire department official told Sky News: "People venture out to sea and can't make it back. We experience this type of event at least once per summer, but this weekend's toll is heavy, above the norm."

Strong winds of up to 70 knots, around 81 miles per hour, were recorded.

Four victims died in the water or on the beach after being pulled out of the sea, and three others died in hospital.

The victims were aged between 40 and 70.

A policeman said that swimmers were ignoring warnings from authorities.

He said: "We are dealing with people who defy swimming bans. Not only do they go swimming while the flags are red, but they also can clearly see that the sea is dangerous".

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