At least five tourists aged between 55 and 80 have died in Greece amid soaring temperatures, with more reported missing, Greek media reported on Tuesday.
The first was a 67-year-old British journalist, who disappeared near Simi, off the Turkish coast, in early June. His body was found days later. Local authorities reported that he had strayed from a path and passed out in a difficult-to-reach location.
Two others died in Crete: an 80-year-old man who went walking on his own, and a 70-year-old who collapsed on a beach.
On the small island of Mathraki, west of Corfu, a 55-year-old American lost his life while on a walk. In Samos, near the Turkish coast, the remains of a 74-year-old Dutch man, who went walking, were found several days later.
Another American, who went walking on Amorgos, has been missing for over a week. Two elderly French citizens are also unaccounted for on Sikinos.
“Many tourists underestimate the strain of walking in full sun,” Athens cardiologist Thomas Giannoulis stressed. “Temperatures can exceed 40°C. This increases the risk of dehydration and heat stroke. The older the individual, the higher the risk,” he added.
The Greek press reported that some of the victims set out shortly after eating lunch and consuming alcohol. Others lacked a map or smartphone, or found themselves in inaccessible locations without signal.
