Extreme weather sees elderly couple dragged out to sea in terrifying video
The pair survived the incident, after two different people helped them ashore
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.An elderly couple survived being dragged out to sea after a huge wave hit the beach they were walking on.
On the northern coast of France, an elderly man can be seen losing his footing before being pulled deeper into the water by a powerful surge.
His partner then attempts to rescue the man, only to be dragged into the swell too.
The couple, aged 75 and 76, can then be seen struggling in the water as a bystander, wearing a yellow jacket, comes to their aid.
Trying to raise them to their feet, all three are then pushed over by another large wave as it forces them to the shoreline.
The video then cuts out but local media reported that all involved survived.
Fortunately another passerby was at hand to rescue those in the water, with only the elderly woman reported to have suffered injury.
The incident occurred at Porsguen beach in Portsall, on the north-western tip of the French coast.
The extreme weather came as Storm Imogen battered the UK and the Channel, with winds reaching speeds of almost 100mph.
Wales and southern England were the worst hit areas, while Brittany Ferries cancelled crossings between south-coast ports and northern France.
Mike Reid, an RSPCA inspector, also went missing on Sunday evening after trying to rescue dozens of sea birds at a beach in Penzance.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments