Several tourists die while hiking in Greece
In Greece, there are increasing cases of tourists who die or go missing during excursions. Many of them act recklessly and put themselves in danger. For instance, a well-known BBC journalist was reported missing and later found dead on the island of Symi this month.
Despite stern warnings from authorities, hoteliers, and locals, at least five tourists have died in Greece this year during hiking. Many of them reportedly did so carelessly - in the midday heat, alone, or despite advanced age. At least one of them is said to have consumed several beers before setting out.
Recently, the death of a well-known BBC presenter made headlines. The presenter was reported missing on the island of Symi in early June and was later found deceased. He had taken the wrong hiking route and collapsed at a location where the rescue team had difficulty finding him, according to the authorities. Two more deaths occurred on Crete: An 80-year-old tourist went hiking alone and was found dead a day later, and a 70-year-old tourist collapsed on the beach and died.
On the small island of Mathraki, a 55-year-old American hiker died during a hike. On Samos, a 74-year-old Dutch hiker went hiking alone and was found dead several days later. There are also concerns about several missing persons: A US American has been missing on the island of Amorgos for over a week, having gone hiking. Two elderly French tourists have not been found on the island of Sikinos, who were reported to have gone hiking in the past week.
Greece has been particularly affected by heatwaves early this year: Meteorologists report that it has been the hottest June since records began. Temperatures reached up to 40 degrees Celsius - and even significantly higher in the scorching midday sun.
- Tourists continue to face misfortunes in Greece, with the International media reporting several deaths this year, including a well-known BBC journalist in Athens and an American hiker on the island of Mathraki.
- The tourism industry in Greece is grappling with a spate of deaths, primarily due to careless behavior, such as hiking alone, during the heatwave, or consumption of alcohol before excursions.
- Despite warnings from authorities and locals, the number of missing tourists in Greece has alarmingly increased, with two elderly French tourists and an American hiker yet to be found, raising concerns about the safety of tourists in international destinations like Greece.
