A 36-year-old tourist from Turkey died on Friday afternoon after being pulled unconscious from the sea at Stalida (Stalis Beach), on Crete’s northern coast.
According to the Hersonissos Port Authority, the man was recovered from the water without vital signs. A local lifeguard immediately provided first aid before an EKAV ambulance transported him to the University Hospital of Heraklion (PAGNI).
Doctors at the hospital subsequently confirmed his death.
The Hersonissos Port Authority, part of the Central Port Authority of Heraklion, is conducting a preliminary investigation into the circumstances of the incident. An autopsy and forensic examination have also been ordered.
At this stage, authorities have not released further details about what led to the man’s collapse in the water.
The incident is another reminder that even at the height of summer, sea bathing can carry risks, particularly when something unexpected happens in the water.
Official statement from the Hersonissos Port Authority: “Around noon today, the Chersonissos Port Authority was notified that a 36-year-old foreign national (a Turkish citizen) had been pulled unconscious from the waters off ‘Stalida’ Beach. The 36-year-old was initially given first aid by a local lifeguard and was then transported by an EKAB ambulance to the University General Hospital of Heraklion, where he was pronounced dead. The Second Port Police Station of Hersonissos, part of the Central Port Authority of Heraklion, which is conducting the preliminary investigation, ordered an autopsy.”
