Samothrace: 22-year-old hospitalized after falling into hot geothermal spring

A 22‑year‑old man suffered severe burns after slipping into an unmarked, hot geothermal channel at the municipal baths in Therma, Samothrace, on the night of Sunday, 4 August 2026. He sustained first‑ and second‑degree burns over 38 % of his body, later reported as second‑degree burns covering 49 %.

He was first taken by friends to the Samothrace Health Centre, then air‑lifted by a Coast Guard boat to Alexandroupoli for emergency care. Because of the seriousness of his injuries, he was transferred to the Burn Unit of Papanikolaou Hospital in Thessaloniki, where he was intubated and remains hospitalized, now out of immediate danger but facing a long recovery.

Mayor Athanasios Vitsas expressed the municipality’s deepest wishes for the victim’s speedy recovery, confirmed that the area has been sealed off for safety, and pledged full cooperation with the ongoing investigation. The victim’s family announced plans to pursue legal action against the municipality, alleging that the geothermal hole was left unsecured. The mayor called for better signage and public caution around the baths.

The victim’s mother recalled his first words after being rescued: “Mom, did you think I’d never see you again?” The incident has raised concerns about safety standards at the island’s public hot‑spring facilities.