Eight German tourists rescued near Symi island

A search and rescue operation successfully concluded near the island of Symi on August 3, 2026, after eight German tourists went missing at sea. The incident began on the evening of August 2 when the group of four men and four women left their sailing vessel to swim, but the boat subsequently drifted away due to sea currents, leaving them stranded.

Two individuals managed to reach the shore independently shortly after, and a third woman was discovered by a fishing boat late at night. The Hellenic Coast Guard, supported by an Air Force helicopter, intensified their search and located four more people around 1:20 a.m. The final missing individual was found safe early the following morning. All eight tourists were rescued in good health, and the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the drifting of the vessel is ongoing.