VI
EN
A tragic incident occurred at Sarakiniko Beach, a popular tourist spot on the island of Milos in the Cyclades archipelago of Greece, resulting in the deaths of two Vietnamese tourists.
According to local officials and international news agencies, the couple is believed to have fallen into the sea amid unusually strong winds sweeping through the area, causing an unforeseen tragedy. The incident once again raises concerns about the potential risks for tourists venturing to destinations in extreme weather conditions.
Sarakiniko Beach on the tourist island of Milos, where the fatal accident occurred.
AFP and numerous Greek media outlets simultaneously reported on the incident. According to a spokesperson for the coast guard, both victims were Vietnamese citizens. Officials said they were on a yacht near the Sarakiniko coast when the tragic incident occurred. The female victim is believed to have been blown overboard by a sudden strong gust of wind.
Witnessing this scene, the man accompanying her, believed to be the victim's partner, did not hesitate to jump into the sea to save her. However, the strong winds and waves swept both of them away, leaving them unable to resist.
July and August each year are the months when this area experiences strong winds.
The Greek Civil Protection Ministry said that on the day of the incident, wind speeds on the island reached approximately 88 km/h, particularly in the southern Aegean and Crete Seas.
Rescue efforts were immediately launched. According to the Greek Reporter, the woman's body was discovered and recovered by a private vessel. Meanwhile, divers took a considerable amount of time to find the man's body. Both were rushed to a medical center on the island, but doctors confirmed they had died. The official identities of the two victims have not yet been released by authorities to ensure privacy and to coordinate with Vietnamese diplomatic agencies to carry out the necessary procedures.
Although the National Meteorological Agency (EMY) predicted that winds would weaken after midnight, many areas, including the Attica region (which includes Athens), were placed on the highest wildfire alert level.
The accident occurred against the backdrop of extremely adverse weather conditions in Greece. The Greek Ministry of Civil Protection reported that on August 8th, wind speeds in many areas, particularly in the southern Aegean and Crete seas, reached approximately 88 km/h. This is a common phenomenon in late summer (around the end of July and beginning of August) but is especially dangerous for tourism and maritime activities. The strong winds were not only the main cause of the tragedy in Sarakiniko but also fueled wildfires and severely disrupted ferry services – the primary means of connecting thousands of islands for tourism.
Strong winds are also fueling local wildfires and preventing many ferries – the main means of transport connecting thousands of islands for tourism – from leaving port.
Numerous ferry services from Piraeus and other ports in Athens, particularly to the Cyclades and Dodecanese islands, have been delayed or canceled. At Piraeus port, hundreds of tourists, including many foreigners, were stranded, crowding the ferry terminals awaiting a positive announcement. "There were long lines of people waiting in the sun amidst a very chaotic scene. This is a very difficult time," an American tourist named Philip Elias told EuroNews. Strong winds are forecast to continue until at least August 10th, causing many to worry about their travel plans.
This tragic incident once again underscores the importance of heeding safety warnings and avoiding risky tourist activities in bad weather. Sarakiniko Beach, where the accident occurred, is renowned for its magical beauty of smooth white rocks and clear blue waters. However, local authorities have repeatedly advised tourists to limit or avoid adventurous activities such as swimming or cliff jumping in strong winds. Summer winds, though a natural phenomenon, can create large waves and unpredictable risks.
The deaths of the two Vietnamese tourists are a great loss and a costly wake-up call. It reminds everyone that, regardless of the desire for beautiful photos or unique experiences, the safety of oneself and loved ones must always be the top priority. Monitoring weather forecasts and adhering to local safety regulations not only protects oneself but also contributes to a safe and fulfilling trip.
