Drownings on Thassos

Another warning to be careful in Greece

Thassos

Last week’s newsletter was about the recent tragedy on Symi, where the well-respected and much-loved British doctor, Michael Mosley, died after setting out on a walk with no phone and not much water. Whether he died from dehydration or a fall, or one leading to the other, we don’t know, but it shows that even a doctor who knows all about health and fitness can make a wrong call when relaxing on holiday in what should be an idyllic place.

Now comes the news that two holidaymakers on the island of Thassos drowned on the same day in swimming accidents. Both incidents also happened at around the same time, 8.30pm, though in different places about 45km (28 miles) apart..

One of the victims was a 70-year-old Polish man who died at Tripiti Beach in the southwest corner of the island, and the other was a 39-year-old Romanian man, who drowned at Skala Potamia, on the east coast. The latter was wearing a full-face snorkelling mask, and there have been dangers attributed to the use of these masks, including a build-up of carbon dioxide and experiencing breathing difficulties.

There is little more information about what caused the deaths, but they confirm that even when doing the simplest of holiday activities - going for a short hike, having a swim in the evening - you should never underestimate the elements. No matter how fit or experienced you are, the elements are always more powerful than you. And they are unpredictable.

We do tend to let our guard down when we’re on holiday. We’re relaxed, we’re in a Greek island paradise where life is good and everyone’s friendly. What could possibly go wrong? Well, these recent incidents show that things can go wrong, even in beautiful and laid-back places like Symi and Thassos. So if you’re going to Greece on holiday this summer, take every precaution to make sure nothing like this happens to you.

Till next time.

Mike and Donna

Greece Travel Secrets