Tragedy: British tourist dies while swimming on Greek island in ‘intense heat’

A British tourist has tragically died while swimming near a Greek beach after losing consciousness due to the intense heat.

The 66-year-old woman was swimming at Achladies beach on the island of Skiathos on Friday, July 19, and was given CPR before being transported to Skiathos Health Centre.

Despite the hospital being just seven minutes from the beach, doctors were unable to save her. According to local media, she will now be transported to the coastal city of Volos for an autopsy, reports the Mirror.

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CNN Greece reported that she lost consciousness in the water before being found by a lifeguard, and said her condition was likely due to the intense heat in the area.

Skiathos hit daytime highs of 33°C on Friday, and an excessive heat warning was issued by the Hellenic National Meteorological Service due to several days of high temperatures.

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Greek authorities recently urged tourists to take precautions following a series of deaths linked to extreme heat.

Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis said: “We urge the public to be particularly careful as in the coming days there is a very high risk of serious forest fires breaking out. Even a spark could cause a major catastrophe.”

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This summer has seen several heatwaves in southern Europe, with popular tourist destinations in Spain, Greece and Italy affected. Italy recently placed 14 cities under the highest level of alert and temperatures soared above 40°C in central and southern regions.