An 80-year-old Dutch tourist was rescued from Imbros Gorge in Sfakia on Friday afternoon after becoming seriously unwell while hiking with his wife and an organized tour group.
The tourist was walking through the gorge with a guide and other members of the group when he suddenly became too unwell to continue. The guide immediately called 112 for assistance.
Six firefighters from the Anopolis Fire Station reached the man, who was approximately three kilometers from the gorge exit. Using a stretcher, they carried him through the gorge to the exit at Komitades.
An ambulance was waiting there and transported the tourist to the Sfakia Health Center for medical assessment and first aid. If necessary, he was expected to be transferred to Chania Hospital for further treatment.
The rescue operation was successfully completed shortly before 5 p.m.
Imbros Gorge is one of Crete’s best-known hiking routes, but even relatively accessible gorges can become challenging when a medical problem occurs far from an exit.
For older visitors, or anyone with health concerns, heat, distance, uneven terrain, and limited access for emergency vehicles are worth considering before setting out. Going with a guide or organized group can also make a crucial difference when something unexpected happens.
Source: ERT News