A British man and an Italian beach worker have died at an southern Italian beach after they went to help the tourist’s daughter who got into difficulties in rough seas. The incident unfolded at about 10:00 (08:00 GMT) on Thursday, at Bosco Verde beach.
Italian reports say the young girl had been playing in the sea with her grandfather at a beach at Ostuni on the south-east coast near Brindisi. When the pair struggled in the high current, the girl’s father and the local worker, heroically, rushed to their aid.
They too were overcome by the waves and rescuers struggled to reach them. The area is known for its gusty winds and rough seas. The girl and her grandfather were eventually brought to safety.
The British tourist, aged 48, has not yet been identified but the local worker has been named as Martino Maggi, 49. Officials say the sea there is notorious for the high north-easterly wind.
The UK Foreign Office is working and supporting the families of the deceased during this difficult period.
