Portuguese tourist drowning rescue in Zakynthos

A 23-year-old Portuguese tourist was rescued after a near-fatal drowning incident near the Blue Caves and Korithi in Zakynthos, Greece. The individual was pulled from a depth of approximately 12 meters by a local diver during a sea excursion.

The rescue involved extensive life-saving measures, including approximately 79 minutes of continuous cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). These efforts were coordinated by a doctor on a nearby vessel, the Coast Guard, and EKAB paramedics.

Following the intervention, the survivor was stabilized at Zakynthos Hospital. Medical professionals, including intensive care specialists, have been credited with performing a “medical miracle” to save the patient, who has since been extubated and is reportedly communicating with family.

Recent updates confirm the man has recovered consciousness. The incident occurred on August 21 in the Potamitis area when the individual submerged while diving with a mask and failed to resurface. After being hospitalized in critical condition and placed on mechanical ventilation, he was extubated on August 27. Medical teams reported that initial examinations showed no evident signs of brain damage caused by oxygen deprivation, and he has since regained the ability to speak and follow simple commands.