A BRITISH grandad has died trying to save his two grandchildren after they were swept out to sea in Crete.

       The 61-year-old was able to help his two grandsons aged, seven and ten years old to reach the shore but wasn't able to make it himself.

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       A grandad died trying to save his grandchildren Credit: google maps 2

       The grandad with the two boys went for a swim to Gouves in Heraklion

       The grandad who was on holiday with his family decided to go for an afternoon swim in Gouves, Heraklion, on Tuesday, with the two boys, amna.gr reported.

       The children were swimming when they suddenly got swept by the strong waves.

       The grandad immediately jumped into the water to save them but the trio struggled to get to the shore.

       According to Greek Coastguard spokesperson Euthimis Douvis, the hero grandad tried to help the two boys but he didn't make it.

       A lifeguard who was in the area was able to rescue the children while the grandad was trying to keep them on the water's surface.

       Once the boys were safe, the lifeguard attempted to rescue the grandad as well but it was difficult as he was trapped in the raging waves near rocks, skai reported.

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       A witness who worked nearby and rushed to help rescue the man told Cretapost: "We were trying to pull him out but the currents were too strong and we couldn't.

       "With the help of the Coast Guard, the man's body was eventually retrieved and taken to the boat."

       An ambulance was waiting at the shore but the grandad was pronounced dead at the scene.

       His two grandchildren who were in shock but not physically harmed were taken to the hospital.

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