Rescue operation for German tourists stranded at sea near Symi

A search and rescue operation was launched off the coast of Symi on the evening of August 2, 2026, after eight German tourists—four men and four women—fell from their sailboat into the sea. The vessel, having been left unmanned while the group went swimming, was carried away by strong sea currents, leaving the individuals unable to return to the boat. The Hellenic Coast Guard coordinated an extensive operation involving naval vessels and an Air Force helicopter.

Following the incident, two individuals managed to swim to the shore at Panormitis, and a third woman was rescued shortly before midnight. By the early hours of August 3, authorities had located four additional passengers. While initial reports on August 4 indicated that one person was still missing, conflicting reports emerged regarding the final status, with some sources claiming all eight individuals were ultimately found in good health. The seven rescued individuals were examined at the Symi Health Center and did not require further transfer to Rhodes. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding how the boat drifted away remain ongoing.