The body of a 55-year-old American tourist was discovered on the Greek island of Mathraki, adding to the growing list of foreign visitors affected by Greece’s unprecedented heatwave. This incident marks yet another tragedy as the country endures its earliest heatwave on record, driven by winds from North Africa pushing temperatures to extreme levels.
Greek public broadcaster ERT and the Athens News Agency reported the man’s death on Sunday. The holidaymaker, whose identity has not been disclosed, was last seen alive in a local bar. His body was later found on a deserted beach on Mathraki, a small, serene island in the Ionian Sea. The remains have been transferred to a hospital on the nearby larger island of Corfu for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
This incident is part of a troubling trend. Just over the weekend, a 74-year-old Dutch tourist was found dead on the island of Samos after going missing during a solo hike. Similarly, British TV presenter Dr Michael Mosley was found dead on the island of Symi after vanishing during a walk from a beach. Authorities concluded that he died of natural causes on the day he went missing.
Meanwhile, the search continues for Albert Calibet, a 59-year-old retired police officer from California. Calibet disappeared on the island of Amorgos last week after failing to return from a hike. His case, along with others, underscores the dangers that extreme weather poses to hikers and tourists unfamiliar with the harsh conditions.
The US State Department has been approached for comment on the situation but has yet to respond. Greek authorities are also conducting searches on the island of Sikinos for two French women, aged 73 and 64, who have been reported missing, according to the French news agency AFP.
As Greece grapples with this record-setting heatwave, the impact is being felt across the country. High temperatures have forced the closure of many schools and major tourist sites, including the iconic ancient Acropolis. These measures highlight the severity of the heatwave and the authorities’ efforts to protect both locals and visitors.
The early onset of such intense heat is unusual for Greece, raising concerns about climate change and its impact on the region. The extreme weather has brought renewed focus on the safety of tourists, particularly those engaging in outdoor activities like hiking. Tourists are advised to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activities during peak heat hours, and seek immediate assistance if they feel unwell.
The tragic deaths of the American tourist on Mathraki, the Dutch hiker on Samos, and Dr Michael Mosley on Symi serve as sobering reminders of the dangers posed by extreme weather. As temperatures remain high, authorities continue to urge caution and vigilance among those visiting Greece’s beautiful, yet currently hazardous, landscapes.
