Chania police arrest five after Polish girl drowns in hotel pool

An 11-year-old Polish girl has died after drowning in a hotel swimming pool in the Platanias area of Chania, Crete. The child was on vacation with her parents when the incident occurred on Sunday, August 30.

Authorities have arrested five individuals in connection with the tragedy: the girl's parents (aged 41 and 45), a 22-year-old lifeguard, and two hotel officials, including a 43-year-old legal representative and a 45-year-old operations manager. The detainees were scheduled to appear before a prosecutor to provide statements regarding the circumstances of the event.

Emergency responders, including EKAB paramedics and doctors from a local private clinic, performed resuscitation efforts both at the scene and during transport to Chania Hospital. Despite these efforts, the child was pronounced dead at the hospital. Witnesses at the scene have provided conflicting accounts regarding the speed and effectiveness of the hotel staff's response and the availability of medical equipment like defibrillators.