The photographers, Jim Cole of the Associated Press and free lancer Vance DeWitt, said they received permission from a security patrol boat to idle their craft in an area near Sarkozy's vessel, The Independent reported Wednesday.

The two men started snapping photos of the French head of state jubilantly enjoying his vacation.

"Then he noticed us taking pictures," Cole said, "and his happy demeanor diminished immediately."

Sarkozy's vessel pulled up beside the boat carrying the photographers and the president jumped onto the other boat and briefly snatched one of the cameras, shouting in French.

"The president was very agitated, speaking French at a loud volume very rapidly," DeWitt said.

The photographers said a woman from Sarkozy's boat eventually explained that he wanted them to stop taking pictures, and left once they agreed to.