A 72-year-old British tourist has died after being swept away by strong currents while swimming at Kariega beach near Port Alfred, a rescue agency said on Tuesday.

The man, was named as Peter Copping from the village of Poringland in Norfolk, southeast England.

He died after being swept away in the Indian Ocean currents on Monday morning, spokesperson Craig Lambinon of the National Sea Rescue Institute told AFP.

"Doctors declared him dead at the scene. His family has been informed of what happened," he said.

Two others swimming with him were rescued, he said.

AFP