A series of tragic deaths of tourists on different Greek islands during an unprecedented June heatwave has sparked search and rescue operations, highlighting the dangers of hiking in extreme temperatures.
A 67-year-old German tourist was found dead on the Greek island of Crete on June 23, 2024. He embarked on a hike alone in the Sougia region and subsequently called his wife to report feeling unwell. A search and rescue operation, aided by drones, discovered his body in Trypiti canyon. This marks the sixth tourist death amid an unprecedented June heatwave in Greece, with temperatures surpassing 40°C (104°F).
In related incidents, a 55-year-old American died on Mathraki, and a Dutch tourist perished on Samos. British TV presenter Michael Mosley, 67, was found on Symi on June 9 after going missing during a hike. Rescue efforts are ongoing for two French women aged 73 and 64 on Sikinos and a 59-year-old American policeman on Amorgos.
