Two men drown off Crete coast in strong tides

Two men drowned off the coast of Hania in Crete, on Saturday, with authorities at the popular tourist destination saying both were foreign visitors to the island.

Eye-witness reports cited by local media suggested that two men swam out into a treacherous stretch of water off Mavros Molos beach known for strong tides, despite the presence of a red flag placed by the coast guard to signify danger.

Coast guard officers pulled the pair out of the water when alerted by other bathers who saw them in distress.

Both men were unconscious by the time they were brought to shore and emergency medical crews were unable to resuscitate them.