Severe Heatwave
Second American Reported Missing from Greek Islands
The friend promptly contacted the authorities, who have been investigating the disappearance since.
Greek authorities are intensifying their search efforts for a second American tourist who has gone missing among the country's coastal islands this week. This incident marks the latest in a series of disappearances that have alarmed both local officials and international visitors, as Greece grapples with an unprecedented early summer heatwave.
The missing American, whose identity has not been disclosed, was last seen on Tuesday at a taverna in Mathraki, a small island near Corfu. According to Spyros Argyros, the president of the local community, the man was in the company of two female tourists when he was last sighted. The American was staying with a Greek-American friend, who returned to their residence on Thursday to find the front door open, lights and air conditioning on, and their friend missing, along with his identification and travel documents.
Mathraki, lacking its own police or coast guard station, has had to rely on officials from Corfu to aid in the search and rescue efforts. Teams scoured the waters near Mathraki on Thursday but had to suspend their operations on Friday due to inclement weather. The search is set to resume on Saturday.
This disappearance follows closely on the heels of another American tourist, Albert Calibet, a 59-year-old retired Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy, who went missing on the island of Amorgos on Tuesday. Calibet, a seasoned hiker and frequent visitor to the island, was last seen embarking on a hike from Aegiali to Katapola, a journey that typically takes around four hours. Despite being well-acquainted with the island and the trail, Calibet failed to return as scheduled, prompting concern among his friends and family.
The extreme heat, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, is believed to have played a role in Calibet's disappearance. He was last seen by fellow hikers around 11 a.m. local time, purchasing water and refreshments from a small stand near the trail. Calibet was expected to meet a friend between noon and 1 p.m. at the end of the trail, but he did not arrive. The friend attempted to contact Calibet via phone, but there was no answer, leading to a missing person report being filed with local authorities.
The search for Calibet has been extensive, involving South Aegean Police Command officers, the Coast Guard, volunteers, and a contingent from Paros Island. Aerial searches have also been conducted using drones. The U.S. State Department has acknowledged the reports and expressed readiness to offer assistance to American citizens and their families.
In addition to the two missing Americans, a 74-year-old Dutch tourist has also been reported missing since Sunday on the island of Samos. The Dutch tourist was hiking in the Marathokampou area when he disappeared. Despite a large search and rescue operation involving local residents, police, and the fire brigade, the tourist remains untraced.
These disappearances come in the wake of the tragic death of British TV personality Michael Mosley, who was found dead on the island of Symi after going missing during a walk in scorching temperatures. Mosley, known for popularizing the 5:2 intermittent fasting diet, was reported missing by his wife after failing to return from a walk. His body was discovered several days later in a rocky area near Agia Marina beach.
The severe heatwave currently gripping Greece has raised significant concerns among officials. The Hellenic National Meteorological Service has issued an orange warning for heat, the second-most serious alert level, with temperatures expected to peak on Thursday. Popular tourist sites, including the Acropolis, have temporarily closed due to reports of visitors collapsing from the heat.
Greek state TV meteorologist Panos Giannopoulos noted the unusual timing of the heatwave, stating, "In the 20th century, we never had a heatwave before 19 June. We have had several in the 21st century, but none before 15 June." The early onset of extreme temperatures has caught many tourists off guard, leading to a series of unfortunate incidents.
Authorities are urging tourists to exercise caution and stay informed about local weather conditions while exploring the country's beautiful islands. The search for the missing tourists continues, with hopes that they will be found safe and sound.