Tourist deaths in Greece heatwave
Greece has reported the deaths of a number of tourists in separate incidents as the country experiences temperatures of over 44°C
The body of a 55-year-old American tourist was found on the Greek island of Mathraki on Sunday, according to a report by the Athens News Agency.
The discovery is the latest in a list of lost tourists that have been found dead in various parts of Greece in recent weeks. A Dutch citizen was discovered over the same weekend, as were two hikers were found in Crete on 5 June.
Additionally, British TV presenter Dr Michael Mosley passed away under similar circumstances on the island of Symi on 9 June.
At least three other tourists have been reported missing – two French women, aged 73 and 64, and an American, aged 59.
The spate of missing tourists – most of whom had been hiking at the time of their disappearances – comes with a wave of extreme heat in Greece which has seen temperatures in some parts of the country reach highs of 44°C.
Such high temperatures can cause dehydration, exhaustion, and disorientation, particularly for individuals exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time, such as hikers.
The parametric insurance firm Sensible Weather announced plans to offer travel coverage for extreme heatwaves last August.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor for Voyageur Group, joining in 2021. He writes for both ITIJ and AirMed&Rescue, covering a range of topics including international travel and health insurance, medical assistance provision and air medical transportation. He also serves as Title Editor of the Assistance & Repatriation Reviews. Oliver holds an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University, as well as a BA in English with Creative Writing from Falmouth University.