Missing 20-year-old tourist found dead in Malia, Crete

A 20-year-old tourist who went missing on Wednesday, July 29, while swimming at Klotzani beach in Malia, Crete, was found dead on the morning of July 31. The victim had entered the water with a friend, but while the friend managed to reach the shore safely, the 20-year-old was pulled away by strong currents.

The disappearance triggered a major search and rescue operation led by the Heraklion Port Authority, involving vessels, fishing boats, volunteer groups, and an aerial search by helicopter. Search efforts were temporarily suspended on July 30 due to hazardous weather conditions, specifically northern winds exceeding 7 Beaufort, which made it impossible for rescue vessels to operate. The victim’s body was eventually recovered by the sea at the same location where he had originally entered the water. Local authorities were notified after the body washed ashore on Friday morning.

The incident took place amid adverse weather conditions that prompted warnings for swimmers in the region. The victim's parents, along with the parents of his friends who were also vacationing on the island, had arrived in Crete during the search operation. The authorities have concluded the search following the discovery of the body.