Two Uber passengers could have 'nearly died' after their taxi plunged into the sea - yet he was still charged an £18 fare.

Nick Christoforou, 31, and Sophia Toon, 23, were forced to swim for their lives after their taxi drove into the water.

Mr Christoforou said he managed to open the car door and find the others after the vehicle hit the water during a work trip to the south of France.

He said: 'If I wasn't in a fit and able state we would all be 100 per cent dead.'

Nick Christoforou, 31, (left) and Sophia Toon, 23, (right) were forced to swim for their lives after their taxi drove off a marina and into the sea

The real estate workers from Cockfosters, north London, was picked up at 1.30am in Cannes by a driver in a Citreon DS5.

The car sank 10ft off the Port Pierre Canto, a marina for 500 yachts in the city.

He managed to swim to a nearby boat and drag the others to safety.

The driver of the vehicle also made it out alive and was breathlysed. He was found to be sober and no arrests have been made.

Mr Christoforou added: 'Even now I am not certain what caused it.'

A police spokesman told The Sun: 'Luckily the car sank slowly, allowing some time for the occupants to get out safely.'

A route of the map which the Uber in Cannes followed whern it drove into the water

Uber took the £18 fare from Nick's account, but have since refunded him. They also offered £800 compensation, which he has refused.

Uber has since said he should claim on the driver's insurance as he is technically self-employed.

An Uber spokeswoman said: 'We contacted both passengers to ensure they were OK and are offering counselling while they await the outcome of their claim.

'The driver involved is no longer able to use the Uber app.'