On 8/8, a Greek coast guard spokesperson said a man and a woman died at Sarakiniko beach on the tourist island of Milos in the Cyclades archipelago, southern Aegean Sea. Both were found unconscious in the water and were identified as Vietnamese nationals. They were taken to a local medical center but did not survive.

According to the coast guard representative, the two were tourists on a boat trip. The woman fell into the water and it appears the man tried to rescue her. The incident occurred amid strong winds that caused wildfires and disrupted ferry services across Greece, affecting thousands of tourists.

Sarakiniko beach on the tourist island of Milos. Photo: Greeka

Sarakiniko beach on the tourist island of Milos. Photo: Greeka

The coast guard reported that most ferries were unable to depart on schedule from Piraeus and other ports in Athens, especially those to the Cyclades or Dodecanese islands. Some ferry trips were canceled while others were delayed. The Civil Protection Ministry said wind gusts could reach 88 km/h, especially in the southern Aegean and Cretan seas.

On the same day, over 200 firefighters, supported by three airplanes and five helicopters, battled a wildfire in Keratea, east of Athens. Costas Tsigkas, leader of the Greek firefighters' officers association, said the fire was difficult to control due to strong winds. Strong winds are common in Greece during August.

Hoai Anh (France24)