Aigialeia windsurfer nearly collides with firefighting helicopter during water‑drop operation

A windsurfer entered the water‑drop zone of a firefighting helicopter over the Akoli Gulf in Aigialeia, Greece, while the aircraft was refilling to combat a forest fire near Neratzia. The Hellenic Coast Guard vessel repeatedly warned the sailor to leave the area, but he remained, causing the helicopter to approach within a very short distance before the windsurfer fell into the sea. No injuries were reported and the water‑drop operation continued.

Greek Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Dimitris Dimopoulos explained that safety checks are normally performed before each drop to ensure the airspace is clear. The incident prompted comments from Georgios Vallis, president of the Hellenic Association of Sailors, who stressed the danger of the sailor’s actions, noting he was not wearing a life‑jacket and could have been killed.