Two Dutch tourists face legal action after sparking an unnecessary search by Italian emergency services when they jumped off a ferry on Lake Como on Friday, local media reported.

The two, 23 and 26, jumped off the ferry and swam to the 18th-century village of Laglio. Once out of sight, it was unclear if they had reached the shore and emergency services were called out.

The two were later sighted at Laglio and received a visit from local police at the campsite where they were staying in Tremezzini, some 30 minutes from Laglio.

They have been charged with causing a search and rescue operation without reason.