(Scypre.com) – In a series of tragic incidents unfolding across the picturesque Greek islands, the discovery of an American tourist’s lifeless body near Corfu has added to a growing sense of unease and concern among locals and travelers alike. The man, whose identity remains undisclosed at this time, was found in the waters near Mathraki’s old port on Sunday. Reports suggest his body was spotted by another tourist who promptly alerted authorities, according to AFP.
The sequence of events leading to the American tourist’s death began last Thursday when he was reported missing. His last confirmed sighting was on Tuesday, seen socializing at a local cafe in the company of two female tourists, who have since departed the island. Details surrounding his stay on Mathraki indicate he was there for a holiday with a Greek-American friend, as per Athens News Agency reports cited by AFP.
Mathraki, a tiny island west of Corfu, boasts a population of approximately 100 residents and spans just 1.2 square miles of lush, wooded terrain. Despite its small size and remote location, the island has now become a focal point in the latest string of incidents plaguing Greece’s island communities.
This tragedy marks the third recent death in similar circumstances across Greece’s islands. Last week, Dr. Michael Mosley, a well-known British television personality and author, was found deceased on Symi island. His body was discovered days after he had embarked on a challenging hike through rugged landscapes. Symi, lying in close proximity to the Turkish coast, has seen its share of misfortune as authorities grapple with these unforeseen fatalities.
Similarly distressing was the fate of a 74-year-old Dutch tourist on Samos, whose body was located early Saturday. Local reports indicate he was found by a Fire Service drone, lying in a ravine not far from where he was last seen, battling extreme heat. The circumstances surrounding these deaths have prompted widespread concern and heightened vigilance among both local authorities and international visitors.
Compounding these tragedies are ongoing searches for missing individuals across different Greek islands. Among them is Albert Calibet, a 59-year-old retired Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy from Hermosa Beach, California, who disappeared while hiking alone in Amorgos. His disappearance has prompted coordinated efforts between local authorities and the U.S. State Department, as confirmed by a spokesperson in a statement to CBS News.
“The Greek missing persons alert program has issued a notice concerning this case,” the State Department representative emphasized, underlining the collaborative effort in the ongoing search operations.
Meanwhile, concerns intensified on Sikinos, a secluded Cyclades island in the Aegean Sea, where two French tourists, aged 73 and 64, were reported missing after leaving their respective hotels. With less than 400 permanent residents, Sikinos has become another focal point in the broader discussion on safety and security measures for tourists visiting Greece’s lesser-known islands.
As investigations continue into these unsettling incidents, authorities and communities are grappling with the complex task of ensuring the safety of both residents and visitors in one of Europe’s most cherished tourist destinations. The challenges posed by remote terrain, extreme weather conditions, and the sheer unpredictability of human behavior underscore the urgent need for enhanced safety protocols and awareness campaigns across Greece’s island communities.