Greek Fishermen Rescue Tourists Amid Devastating Wildfires on Crete and Other Islands

Severe wildfires continue to rage across Greece, including the island of Crete, prompting a joint rescue operation involving local fishermen and emergency services. On July 31, 29 tourists, including children and elderly individuals, were evacuated from a beach near Agios Pavlos in Crete after their hotel caught fire. The Greek Coast Guard reported that 17 people were rescued in the initial operation, with an additional 12 saved in a subsequent effort. Fishermen faced hurricane-force winds reaching speeds of up to 160 km/h, complicating the rescue. Captain Nikos Metayiakis, one of the fishermen involved, described the harrowing conditions, noting gas canisters exploded as the hotel burned.

The wildfires have spread to other areas such as Lesbos and the Peloponnese peninsula. Tragically, three firefighters have died: two were trapped on a mountain road near the village of Kria Vrysi due to shifting winds, and a third collapsed and died while combating a separate fire near Githio in the Peloponnese. The fires have destroyed homes, agricultural facilities, and livestock, though the full extent of the damage remains unclear as the blazes continue.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis mourned the fallen firefighters, expressing solidarity with all emergency personnel and volunteers battling the fires under increasingly difficult conditions. Thousands have been evacuated amid extreme weather and ongoing fire threats.

Summary: Intense wildfires in Greece have forced the evacuation of tourists from Crete, with fishermen aiding rescue efforts amid hurricane-force winds. Three firefighters have died battling the blazes, which continue to threaten multiple regions.

Points: - 29 tourists rescued from burning hotel on Crete by fishermen and rescue teams. - Wildfires spread across Crete, Lesbos, and Peloponnese with hurricane-force winds. - Three firefighters died battling fires in mountainous and rural areas. - Thousands evacuated as fires destroy homes, farms, and livestock. - Greek Prime Minister mourns fallen firefighters and supports emergency responders.

Topic: security israel_relevant: false entities: {"people":["Nikos Metayiakis","Kyriakos Mitsotakis"],"organizations":["Greek Coast Guard"],"places":["Crete","Agios Pavlos","Lesbos","Peloponnese","Kria Vrysi","Githio"]}