The defence ministry in Algiers said a group of jet skiers ignored warning shots from the security forces and refused to stop.

It accused them of illegally crossing into Algerian territorial waters at a time of increased maritime drug trafficking and organised crime.

The ministry said one body had been recovered.

Lawyers for the two victims - one a French-Moroccan dual national and the other holding French residency - say they will file a complaint in Paris.

The incident coincides with increased tension between Morocco and Algeria.

The border between the two countries has been closed for nearly 30 years.