French rescue services go flat out after coastal storms wreak havoc

French rescue services have been working around the clock in the wake of storms along the Atlantic coast that left boats stranded at sea. Meanwhile, further north in Normandy, a kitesurfer died after being caught by a strong gust of wind. Rescue crews were deployed more than 80 times with ships, helicopters and aeroplanes, assisted by the military and civil defence, the maritime prefecture in the port city of Brest announced. Two men on a motorboat who were unable to communicate their position had to spend the night at sea before being located and rescued. The prefecture called on water sports enthusiasts and recreational boat captains to stay ashore. A heatwave in the west of France - with temperatures of up to 43 degrees - was followed by a change of weather and heavy storms. The kitesurfer was hit by a strong gust of wind late on Saturday and whirled against the façade of a restaurant in Villers-sur-Mer, on France's northern coast. Helpers declared the 31-year-old dead. Another kitesurfer was saved, the maritime prefecture in Cherbourg announced. The storm also flung café tables and chairs through the air, injuring three casino visitors, broadcaster France Info reported. In nearby Deauville, rescue services were searching by boat and helicopter for a man who went missing at sea. A large triathlon organized in the seaside resort was cancelled after the tents in the athletes' village were blown away. The participants were offered accommodation in the town.