Hiker from Germany perishes on the island of Crete
Tragic hiking mishaps persist in Greece: A 67-year-old German tourist experienced his demise on Crete, having ventured on a hike for hours and apparently veered off the path. This unfortunate incident marks the sixth such occurrence among tourists this June, with five others still missing for over a week.
The incident unfolded as the man embarked on a hike from the village of Omalos in the Chania region, aiming for the fishing village of Sougia. The Greek news station ERT reported that he went missing in the afternoon after calling his wife, expressing illness. Though rescue teams suggested he dial emergency number 112 for location purposes, he failed to do so.
Eventually, he was discovered and airlifted out dead early Monday morning, located within the Tripiti gorge's rugged, hard-to-reach territory. Authorities believe he lost his bearings. The distance between the hike's starting point and the discovery site spanned several dozen kilometers.
"Utilizing thermal imaging, canines, and drones in the rescue efforts"
The death toll from tourist hikes in Greece this month has climb to six, with all the deceased being foreigners aged between 55 and 80. The British broadcaster and television doctor, Michael Mosley, was among the deceased - found dead on the island of Symi after going missing at the beginning of June.
An 80-year-old tourist was also discovered deceased on Crete, having embarked on a solo hike. A 67-year-old tourist collapsed and died on a beach, while a 55-year-old was found dead on the island of Mathraki. A 74-year-old tourist went hiking alone on Samos and was found dead several days later.
Three individuals have been missing for over a week - all of whom set out on hikes. A 59-year-old American is misplaced on the island of Amorgos. Two women, aged 64 and 73, have been missing on the island of Sikinos for ten days, having also embarked on a hike. They allegedly sent media outlets a message suggesting one of them wasn't feeling well. Since then, all trace of them has vanished, and their phones no longer connect. "We are employing thermal imaging, canines, and drones in the search, but I am growing pessimistic," said the island's mayor.
Residents are expressing dismay.
Why do tourists continue to wander despite stern warnings from authorities, locals, and international media reports remains unanswered. Greek doctors postulate that the affected individuals may have underestimated their physical abilities and the effects of high temperatures. For instance, heatstroke can induce confusion and disorientation, leading wanderers astray. Dehydration, as well as heart and circulatory troubles in older age, are further potential hazards.
However, residents continue to note tourists who wander during the strong midday heat, a time when Greeks themselves choose to remain in cool, closed homes. The temperatures in Greece in June of this year have reached record highs, with some areas exceeding 40 degrees.
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Despite the ongoing string of fatal hiking incidents in Greece this June, the international community continues to issue travel advisories for adventurers. The European Union's travel guidelines caution hikers to be aware of the rigorous terrain and extreme weather conditions in Greece, emphasizing the importance of staying on marked trails and carrying appropriate safety equipment.
