Greece reports two elderly drownings during summer rescue period

On 27 July 2026 a 76‑year‑old woman was pulled from the sea at Potidaia beach in the municipality of Nea Propontida, Chalkidiki. She was taken by ambulance to the Nea Moudania Health Centre, where she was pronounced dead. The Central Coast Guard’s New Moudania unit ordered a forensic autopsy.

Later the same day an 80‑year‑old woman was rescued after drowning in the Alikana coastal area of Zakynthos. First‑aid was provided by a lifeguard, after which she was transferred by EKAB ambulance to the General Hospital of Zakynthos and declared dead. An autopsy was also ordered by the Zakynthos Coast Guard.

Both deaths are the second recorded fatalities since the start of the ongoing nautical‑rescue period on 1 June, according to Marios Myronakis, head of rescue operations for Zakynthos and president of the Hellenic Rescue Schools Union. He said, “From the start of the rescue period we have two incidents of deaths at sea,” and urged greater caution for elderly swimmers and children during the summer season.