From correspondents in Tamil Nadu, India, 09:30 PM IST

The search for four missing bathers off the coast here was given up Friday evening as they were presumed drowned and washed away deep into the sea, fire services officials said.

Eyewitnesses had reported them missing since late Thursday after a gigantic wave dragged them deep into the water.

The missing people were between ages of 18 and 26. While two were from here, the others were from Cuddalore, 200 km south of here.

Immediate rescue attempts had failed, an official added.

The wreckage of a derelict ship close to the famous Marina seafront here claims at least one life every month when seawaves lash bathers against its sharp metal edges.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)