Hellenic Coast Guard was mobilized to provide assistance to tourists and local residents who were trapped on smoke-covered beaches, waiting for boats to rescue them, after an apocalyptic fire erupted in coastal regions near Athens, killing over 50 people.
The first fire broke out on Monday morning on the Geraneia Mountain near the seaside town of Kineta, about 50 km west of Athens and the second broke out on the afternoon, in the mountain of Penteli, northeast of Athens. The fire has been burning properties and forests on the west and east of Athens, with residents fleeing their properties and beach tourists running to survive.
One ocean-going ship, two inflatable boats, 5 patrol boats, one lifeguard vessel, one helicopter, one navy frigate and several private boats with rescuers onboard have been deployed so far. By order of Minister Mr. Panagiotis Kouroublis, medicals have been transferred to provide the first aid to the wounded.
A large number of people have been gathered from beaches and transported to reception points designated in the area of Rafina (Port Authority, City Hall, Pneumatic Centers, Hotels, Hospitals, Health Center), the Coast Guard informed.
In addition, authorities have rescued a total of 17 people by the sea, including 9 foreign nationals, who boarded a Rolling Shuttle from the hotel and opened to the east of Rafina, and 3 children with 2 adults about 2 nautical miles from the port of Rafina. A fishing vessel also found and rescued a woman at sea, east of the Mati district, where one man and one woman were also saved.
Three bodies, of a man, a woman and a girl, were found and have been transported to Rafina Port Authority. Death toll from the disastrous fire is expected to rise.
The Greek state has declared a state of emergency and has appealed for aid from the EU as it tries to bring the fires under control. Search and rescue operations are continuing.
