Μake us preferred on Google Firefighters continue to battle the flames of a wildfire ripping through the southern part of the Rethymnon region in southern Crete, as Greece’s coast guard evacuated 29 people by sea, authorities said. A video recorded aboard a coastguard vessel shows the dramatic moment officers are pulling people on board from another smaller vessel (possibly a fishing boat), as thick smoke can be seen over the horizon.
Two firefighters battling the blaze were killed on Wednesday.
The wildfire, which broke out earlier in the day, continued to burn out of control, prompting a large-scale emergency response on land and at sea.
The Hellenic Coast Guard launched rescue operations off the coast near Agios Pavlos after advancing flames reached the area of Krya Vrysi, forcing residents and visitors to seek refuge along the shoreline.
Authorities said 17 people were initially evacuated by boat, followed by a further 12, bringing the total number rescued by sea to 29.
The evacuations were carried out by Coast Guard patrol vessels, a rescue craft and privately owned boats that assisted in the operation.
Coast Guard assets remained deployed in the area and on standby for further evacuations if required, while firefighters continued efforts to contain the blaze.
Greek authorities said they were closely monitoring the rapidly evolving wildfire, with further updates expected as firefighting operations continued.
